Saturday, February 14, 2009

Coco's Top Ten Reasons why I Ardently Adore My Husband

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1.  He does not complain even if his lunch box is full of last night's leftovers. 

2.  He always makes me laugh. 

3.  He never holds grudges. 

4.  He buys me flowers a day after we quarrel. 

5.  He does not bad-mouth other people. 

6.  He completely ignores me when I am unreasonably pessimistic or irritated.  

7.  He is jealous of my computer (because I spend too much time on it). 

8.  He picks up Sunday Newspapers for me.  

9.  He is always honest (sometimes brutally - "That outfit looks HORRIBLE") with me. 

10.  He kisses me goodnight even after five years of marriage. 

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Second Saturday at the Hawaii State Art Museum - FREE


Every Second Saturday, Hawaii State Art Museum hosts a FREE event. 

Tomorrow's event is “Asia Pacific Art Rhythms,” where you & your kids can have hands-on learning experience on musical instruments from all over the world, incl. Indonesia, Japan, Polynesia, the Philippines.  

The admission to this museum is always FREE.  The museum holds a wonderful collection of contemporary works by local artists.  I love this unpretentious little museum and visit at leats once a month to unwind. 

While may not be so frugal, a restaurant "Downtown" serves fantastic lunch meals that are also eco-friendly.  My personal favorite is Seared Ahi Club Sandwich with Avocado & Mao Organic Lettuces.  Their giftshop also is worth a visit.  

Art galleries are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with musical activities scheduled from 11 am-3pm. 

Visit http://www.state.hi.us/sfca/ for more information. 

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Bookzilla at Kaimuki Library - Valentaine's Day


Tomorrow from 9 am to 2 pm, Kaimuki Library is hosting a book sale.  In addition to books, they will have CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and LPs. 

Call 733-8423 for more information. 

Buying books at public libraries is a great way to get books at bargain price and also to support your local libraries.    

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Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii 2009 - 2/14 FREE


Head to Kaka'ako Waterfront Park and Amphitheatre tomorrow for good Hawaiian music, food, prizes and inflatables for the kids.  

The admission is FREE! 

It is a picnic, so bring your own beach chairs and blankets.  But you have to purchase your food and beverage at the food booths.  The proceeds go to Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii & Konishiki Kids Foundation. 

For more information, visit http://www.ukulelepicnic.org/

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Coco's Top Ten List of This Week's Blog Articles


*  Incredibly helpful tips for blog beginners from a super mom/blogger. 

*  You want to read this article if you love getting free stuff in your mail box. 

*  Very funny Andrea summarizes what she learnt at workshops of Blissdom09, a blogging conference - contains valuable tips for all the bloggers out there. 

*  I chose this article, because I am a frequent shopper at Safeway. 

*  Very useful discussion on the cons and pros of using a credit card. 

*  Particularly helpful for people like me who just started menu planning. 

*  I regularly suffer from canker sore.  So painful and annoying.... 

*  SavvySuzie writes about how you can make foods in your freezer and storage last longer. 

*  If you or someone you know are struggling with electricity bills, refer to this article. 

*  I am just amazed how organized she is.  My coupon "box" right now is a total mess. 

Please share your favorite blog articles with me, too.  

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Coco's Top Ten List of Free Items


* Get a coupon for a great travel-size sample.  

2.  Emergen-C 

* Might have made a pretty good Valentine's Day gift? 

4.  Yogi Tea
* Choose three. Comes with a coupon, too. 



* You can download 2 full Albums.  Enjoy the Morzart Effect for your baby and yourself.


* You can download 16 Full Books for Free! 

* You can sample all 12 shades.  

Found any great free items?  Please share with me.  

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Free Corded Phone for Hawaiian Telcome Customers

If you are a Hawaiian Telcom customer for landlines phone service. You may be able to get a free corded phone, which you should definitely have in case of power outage. It's normally priced at $3.99. For more detailed information visit their website.

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L'Oreal Excellence to Go $2.99 at Walgreesn 2/8-2/14

This week, L'Oreal Excellence to Go is on sale for $7.99.

You can get it for $2.99, using
$2.00 Off Walgreen's Easy Saver Coupon &
$3.00 Printable Coupon

Normally, a price in Hawaii is higher than one on the mainland, so those of you guys living on the mainland may be able to get a better deal!!

Do you know any great deals going on at Walgreens? Please let me know.

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Savers & Salvation Army - 50% OFF Sale!!


I love shopping at thrift stores.  Sure, my husband and I sometimes buy things and later find out that they are broken or unusable (We usually console each other saying "well, at least out money is used for good causes...").  But our list of great finds is quite long - my husband's work shirts (i.e., aloha shirts), furniture, electrical appliances, craft supplies, fabrics, "antiques," and more.  I especially adore our Noritake plates and tea cups, which I scored for $.10 each at GoodWill Outlet.  A friend of mine even found an almost brand-new bread maker for less than $10 (I was oh so jealous).  

This President's Day, Salvation Army and Savers are having Storewide 50% Off Sale (excl. red tag items at Savers).    

To find stores near you, visit their website. 

http://www.savers.com/

Did you find any great President's Day Sale?  I would love to hear from you. 

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Truth About Cheating - Free Download at Oprah.com

From now to 7 p.m. PST Thursday, February 12, 2009,Oprah is giving out a free downloaded copy of "Truth About Cheating" by M. Gary Neuman.

I browsed through the book and it is a very enlightening book, even if you are not interested in the reasons why men cheat. It gives you good advices on how you can improve your marital relationship. According to Mr. Neuman, the #1 complaint by husbands about their sexual relationship with their wives is the frequency. Mmmm, interesting...

* This book is copyrighted. You may view and download the file, but you may not copy the file or share or forward it to any other person.

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Bean Thread Noodle (Harusame) Salad


* This makes a nice side dish.   Bean Thread Noodle (Harusame) is typically gluten-free, thus a great alternative to regular pasta for people who are gluten-intolerant.  *Some brands might contain a small amount of gluten, so check the package label carefully before purchasing.  

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Total Time: 15 mins.

Ingredients:

3 oz. Bean Thread Noodle (Harusame
* Available at your local Asian Food Store or Amazon (Buy Eden Mung Bean Pasta (Harusame)- Gluten-Free Specialty Noodles -2.4oz
2 Eggs, beaten  
1 Cucumber (Preferably Japanese, if English, scrape out any seeds with a teaspoon), thinly sliced into strips  
2-3 Slices of Ham, cut half and thinly sliced into strips. 
 
~ A ~
2 tbs. Sugar 
4 tbs. Soy Sauce 
3 tbs. Vinegar (Preferably Rice, if not white wine vinegar) 
1/2 tbs. Sesame Oil 
1 tbs. Sesame Seed 

1. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients listed under ~A ~ (hereafter "Dressing").  Chill in a efrigerate.  

2. In a medium pot of boiling water, cook the bead thread noodle according to the package instructions.  Drain and rinse the noodle with cold water, until the noodle becomes cool.  Set aside. 

3. Heat a small skillet (or non-stick pan)  over a low-medium heat and coat with a little oil.  Add 1/3 of the egg and rapidly swirl it around until it just coats the bottom.  Cook on low heat for about a minute, until the egg is set.  Using a spatula, transfer to a plate.  Repeat with the remaining egg.  Once the egg cools off, fold each into thirds and cut into thin strips. 

4. In a medium bowl, mix the bean thread noodle, cucumber, ham.  Toss with the dressing.  Serve immediately.   

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Two Free Issues of Family Circle



Order 2 free issues of family circle from Start Sampling. If you are not a member of Start Sampling, you will have to sign up for an account.

I am a fan of Family Circle for it is such a good source for healthy and frugal recipes.

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Coco's List of 10 Top Printable Coupons

Here is a list of my favorite coupons currently available.

I recommend you to immediately print coupons, if you find any good ones. I found a $1.00 off coupon for Hersey's Bliss Chocolate last week. When I tried to print it today, however, it was gone!!

1. $1.00 Off Scott Extra Soft Tissue

2. $1.00 Off Scott Paper Towels

3. $1.00 Off Reynolds Wrap Foil

4. $3.00 Off Dryel Starter Kit or Refill

5. $.75 Reynolds Parchment Paper

6. $2.00 Off Listerine Total Care

7. $1.00 Off Bic Multi-Purpose Lighter

8. $1.00 Off 2 Nexcare Bandages

9. $1.00 Off Any Scotch Lint Product

10. $2.00 Off Trail Mix Crunch Cereal

Please let me know if you find any good coupons!

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Coco's List of Top 10 Free Samples

Here is a list of my favorite free samples currently available. Requesting a free sample is a great way to try a new product and also to obtain high-value coupons.

1. Always Infinity Pads
* Mine came with a $1.00 off coupon (to be used only at Walgreens for some reason....).

2. Total Cereals
* You can find out the status of your request - Here

3. Quaker True Delights

4. Tide Total Care
* Mine came with a $1.00 off coupon.

5. Dove Shampoo & Conditioner
* Came in cute mini plastic bottles.

6. Dr. Pepper (Regular or Diet)
* I received a coupon good for 2 Litter of ANY Dr. Pepper.

7. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
* It really works!!

8. Lacoste Perfumes

9. Glucerna Cereal (Full Size)
* Print a $5 coupon.

10. 5 Sun Maid Raisin Recipes

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Get 75 Free Prints from Kodak Gallery - Ending Soon


GalleryLogo_100x100


Get 75 Free 4x6 prints when you join the Kodak Gallery!


Right now, when you join Kodak Gallery, you can get 75 free prints. Just click the link above.

You DO have to pay for the shipping, which, I think, is very reasonable. See here for their shipping rates. This is too great an offer to miss.

This offer expires February 13, 2009, so hurry!!

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This Week's Deals at Times 2/11-2/17

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GROCERIES & SNACKS

Strawberries 1lb.
$5.00/2
Frugal Price: $2.50/lb.

Ben & Jerry;s Ice Cream
$5.00/2
Frugal Price: $2.50 each


50th State Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
$2.99/lb.
Frugal Price: $2.99/lb.

Large Scallops (Broken)
$4.29/lb.
Frugal Price: $4.29/lb.


HOUSEHOLD

Vo-5 Shampoo or Conditioner
$.99
Frugal Price: $.99

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This Week's Deals at Safeway 2/11-2/17

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President's Day 4 Day Sale

Apple or Cherry Pie
$4.99

Starbucks Coffee 12 oz.
$6.99

Safeway Select Ice Cream 1.75 qt.
$2.99

3 lb. Bag Fuji or Braeburn Apples
$1.98 ea
Frugal Price: $.66/lb.

Ad-in Coupon Specials (Limit 1 w/ Minimum $10 purchase)

Mission Tortilla
$1.99

Sun Maid 6-Pack Seedless Raisins
$1.49

Kellogg's Mini Wheats
$8.00/4

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent, 64-80 oz.
$3.99

GROCERIES & SNACKS


Red or Green Seedless Grape
$1.28/lb.
Frugal Price: $1.28/lb.

Foster Farms Breaded Chicken Selections
$8.99
- $1.00 Coupon (Newspaper Insert, exp. 6/30/09)
Frugal Price: $7.99

Betty Crocker Cake Mix, Cookie Pouches or Frosting
Buy 2 Get 3 Free
- $.50 Printable Coupon (Cookie Pouches)
- $.55 Printable Coupon (Frosting)
- $.50/2 Printable Coupon (Cake Mix)
- $1.00/2 Coupon (Supreme Brownie Mix) - from Betty Crocker Coupon Booklet
- $1.00/2 Coupon (Frosting) - from Betty Crocker Coupon Booklet
- $1.00/2 Coupon (Cookie Pouches) - from Betty Crocker Coupon Booklet
Frugal Price: Various

Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn
Buy 1 get 1 Free
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
- $1.00/2 Coupon (Newspaper Insert, exp. 2/28/09)
Frugal Price: Various

Hunt's Canned Tomatoes
$1.50
- $1.00/3 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $1.16 each

Lipton Tea
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
- $.60 (Use two, if possible) (Newspaper Insert, exp. 4/11/09)
Frugal Price: Various

Trident Gum
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
- $.75 (Use two, if possible) (Newspaper Insert, exp. 3/15/09)
Frugal Price: Various

Hersey's Single Bar
Buy 2 Get 2 Free
- $1.00/2 Coupon on Reese's Whipps Bar (Use two, if possible) (Newspaper Insert, 3/31/09)
Frugal Price: Various

O Organics Milk
$3.99
Frugal Price: $3.99

StarKist Chunk Light Pouch
$1.99
- $1.00 Coupon from Vocal Point
Frugal Price: $.99

Local Tomatoes
$1.99/lb.

Fresh Lemon
$.68 each


HOUSEHOLD

Swiffer Dust & Shine
$4.49
- $1.00 Coupon (2/8 Newspaper Insert, exp. 3/31/09)
Frugal Price: $3.49


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Vegetable &Beef Stir-Fry


* Obviously, I made too much for two people.... This is a great dish to prepare when you have some vegetables left in a fridge and also a delicious way to take your daily recommended dose of veggies. 

Serves: 3-4
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Total Time: 15 mins.

Ingredients:

1/4 Small Cabbage, shredded
3 oz. Bean Sprouts
1 Green Bell Pepper, ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced
1 Carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
1 Garlic Clove, thinly sliced
5 oz. Beef (any, except ground beef), thinly sliced diagonally (across the grain) * Easier, when the beef is slightly frozen.
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Corn/potato starch

~ A ~
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Soy sauce
1 tsp. Oyster sauce
1 tsp. Corn/potato starch
1 tbsp. Cooking wine (preferably sake, if not, white wine is OK)
2 tbsp. Water

1. Salt and lightly coat the beef w/ 2 tsp of corn/potato starch.

2. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients listed under ~A~. (hereafter "~A~ ingredients")

3. In a large skillet (or wok, if you have one), heat 1 tbsp. of oil over high heat. Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant. Cook the beef until browned. Transfer to a plate.

4. In the same skillet, heat 1/2 tbsp. of oil over medium high heat. Add the carrot, green pepper, bean sprout, cabbage in that order. Cook until softened.

5. Return the beef into the skillet. Add the ~A~ ingredient. Cook, tossing, until heated through about 30 sec.. Serve.

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Monday, February 9, 2009

This Week's Deals at Walgreens 2/8-2/14

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GROCERIES & SNACKS

General Mills Cereals (Fiber One)
$9/3
- $1.00 Register Reward
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Use two)
- $.75 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $1.75 each

HOUSEHOLD

Shout, Scrubbing Bubbles Wipes or All purpose Cleaner, Windex Wipes or Liquid, Fantastik
$6/2
- $2.00 After Mail-in Rebate
- $ 1.00 Printable Coupon (Shout, Windex Liquid & Fantastik)
- $1.50 Printable Coupon (Windex Wipes)
- $3/2 Printable Coupon (Scrubbing Bubbles Wipes or All Purpose)
Frugal Price: $$.50 to $1.00 each

Pledge Wipes, Liquid, or Fabric Sweeper, Drano, Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber or Toilet Gel
$8/2
- $2.00 After Mail-in Rebate
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Pledge Liquid, Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel)
- $1.50 Printable Coupon (Pledge Wipes, Drano)
- $3/2 Printable Coupon (Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber & Toilet Gel)
- 2.00 Printable Coupon (Pledge Fabric Sweeper)
Frugal Price: $1.00 to $2.00 each

Bounty Basic Paper Towels
$.99
- $.25 Coupon (2/8 Newspaper Insert, exp. 3/31/09)
Frugal Price: $.74

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

Schick Disposable Razors
$4.99
- $2.00 Coupon (2/1 Newspaper Insert, exp.)
Frugal Price: $2.99

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This Week's Deals at Longs from 2/8-2/14

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GROCERIES & SNACKS

Chex Mix
$1.89
- $.60 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $1.29

Quakers Rice Snacks
$1.79
- $.50 Coupon (Request a free sample & a coupon)
Frugal Price: $1.29

Farmer John Premium Wieners
$1.89
- $.50 Coupon (Available at Stores)
Frugal Price: $1.39

HOUSEHOLD

3M Scotch Lint Roller
$1.89
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $.89

Bic Multi-Purpose Lighter
$2.29
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $1.29

Dawn Simple Pleasure
$3.39
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $2.29

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

Herbal Essences Shampoos & Conditioner
$2.99
- $3.00/2 (Newspaper Insert, exp.)
Frugal Price: $1.49
* Buy 2 specially marked products and get a free hair cut.

HEALTH

Dimetapp Children's Elixir
$4.29
- $2.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $2.29

Sensodyne Toothpaste
$4.49
- $.50 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $3.99

Advil Liqui-Gels 40 cap.
$5.79
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $4.79

Advil PM Liqui-Gels 32 cap.
$7.99
- $2.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $5.99

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Weekly Menu Plan 2/8-2/14

funny animals Pictures, Images and Photos

Sun - Sushi (Use leftovers in freezer as ingredients (incl. corns, bacon, smoked salmon, spam, etc.)
(Use leftover for Monday's lunch (Sandwich)

Mon - Vegetable & Beef Stir-fry w/ miso soup (sweet potato)
(Save some for Tuesday's lunch)

Tue - Bean Thread Noodle (Harusame) Salad w/ soup (something)
(Save some for Wednesday's lunch)

Wed - Spicy Kimchi soup
(Prepare bagel sandwich for Thursday's lunch)

Thu - Beef Tortilla w/ Avocado Salsa
(Save some for Friday's lunch (sandwich)

Fri - Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl (Oyako-don) w/ miso soup

Sat - Peperoncini Pasta

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