Posts made in September 2020

Dream Big with Florida Prepaid College Plans

Help your children dream big with Florida Prepaid College Plans! Use promo code DREAMBIG20 to save on your application fee. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

While National College Savings Month may almost be over, Florida Prepaid College Plans still wants to encourage us to be pro-active and to prepare for our children’s future education! As a parent, when I hear the words college and savings together, it can be rather overwhelming. My oldest son Drew started high school this year so that means college will be here before we know it. Brady, my youngest son, is only in third grade, but now is the best time for my husband and I to prepare, plan, and take action for our boys’ future. We like to think that college isn’t just another expense; it is an investment.

I understand that the past few months have been challenging on so many different levels, but particularly financially. Many families, including mine, are trying to save where we can, while others have had to dig into their savings to pay for everyday necessities and living. This has caused us to re-evaluate our finances. There is so much uncertainty, and for many, they don’t know when it will end. In the midst of these uncertain times, my family and I are thankful for the certainty and stability that Florida Prepaid Plans continues to provide. If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is that my boys have brighter, happier days ahead of them and that they will be able to pursue all of their dreams and goals because of the investment that we have made with Florida Prepaid College Plans.

Even in the midst of uncertain times, you too, can help your children plan for their future. Did you know that by starting small and saving just a few dollars each month, you can be financially prepared for a college education for your children? With a Florida Prepaid Plan, you don’t have to worry about the ups and downs of the stock market or college costs; Florida Prepaid will handle it all!

Florida Prepaid College Plans Are Affordable, Flexible and Risk-Free:

Affordable

Since the beginning over 30 years ago, Florida Prepaid has been helping families to affordably save for college. I would encourage you to look at your family’s budget and to see which plan will work best for you. What works for my family may not be the best plan for you and vice-versa. Educate yourself, look at the different investment options, and then go from there. A Florida Prepaid Plan will allow your family to lock in future college costs for less so that your child’s tuition is ready and waiting for them! Enroll today and gain the peace of mind knowing that your child’s future will be taken care of! I am so thankful that we did! Plans start at just $44 a month.

Flexible

Don’t stress about the future, do what you can now and start planning ahead today. Florida Prepaid Plans are very flexible. In fact, they are designed to work where, how and when you need them. Even if your child doesn’t know where they want to attend college, that is no problem. Maybe your child will decide not to attend college at all.  I am happy to tell you that your child has up to 10 years after high school graduation to use a Prepaid Plan. It is also important to note that Prepaid Plans can be transferred to another child or family member, or you can receive a full refund for the amount you paid into it.

If your child decides to attend college outside of Florida, the plan value can be applied to the cost of college in that state. And, if your child receives a scholarship, their Prepaid Plan can be used alongside it. I am going to encourage my boys to apply for as many scholarships as possible!

Risk-Free

Peace of mind is so important especially during these times. You will be happy to know that Florida Prepaid Plans are risk-free, and you will never lose your investment, even if your child decides not to go to college. Florida Prepaid Plans are guaranteed by the state of Florida. The benefit you receive from a plan will never be less than the price you pay for it – you cannot lose money. This is one of the most important factors to our family, and risk-free investments are hard-to-come by! I can tell you that this is a decision you will not regret.

Are you ready to take the next step towards this risk-free investment?

For 30 years, more than 1 million families like mine have chosen Florida Prepaid as their college savings partner, making them the largest, most successful Prepaid Program in the nation! I am proud to tell you that 50,000 Florida residents have enrolled in a Florida Prepaid Plan this year! These families know just how important education is for their children and have taken this risk-free investment. After all, there is nothing to lose!

I share with you my heart not only as a parent, but also as a teacher. I have had the wonderful opportunity this fall to be back in the classroom after taking several years off to raise my boys. I have such a passion for education and being a part of Florida Prepaid College Plans these past several years has made me realize just how much that I have missed teaching. A good education is so important and something that you will never regret giving your children. I love educating and being a part of changing a child’s life forever. As parents, we also have the opportunity to make an investment into our children thanks to help from Florida Prepaid College Plans. Let’s give our children one of greatest gifts ever- the gift of education! The gift to pursue all of their dreams, desires, goals, intents and purposes. I am so proud to be a part of education and to help shape our children into future leaders.

If you enroll in a Florida Prepaid Plan from now through October 31, your $50 application fee will be waived with promo code DREAMBIG20. Saving for college today, will help your children unfold all their dreams and goals tomorrow!

GO HERE to get started now and to enroll using promo code DREAMBIG20. Join my family in making the investment of a lifetime for your children. You will be so glad that you did!

Be sure to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on FacebookTwitterInstagram and  YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment, tips and promotional offers.

15+ Hearty Fall Soup Recipes

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

 Sopa de Albondigas by A Taste for Travel
Double Roux Gumbo by Simply Happenings
Chipotle Shrimp Chowder by Keto Cooking Wins
Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Chili Oil by Tasting Page
Cream Cheese Ham and Potato Soup by Thrifty Frugal Mom
French Chestnut Soup by A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
Mushroom and Chickpea Minestrone by Seven Roses
Shrimp and Corn Soup by Baked Broiled and Basted
Chunky Cheddar Bacon Potato Soup by Chef Not Required
Mussel Chowder by Bacon is Magic
Tuscan Bean Sausage Soup by This Farm Girl Cooks
Cheesy Baked Potato Soup by My Gluten Free Kitchen
Cheesy Corn Soup by Adventures of a DIY Mom
Sausage Tortellini Soup by Cook at Home Mom
Shepherd’s Pie Soup by Spend with Pennies

Sweet Potato, Apple & Turkey Chili

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

If you are looking for a new chili recipe to add to your menu this fall, this Sweet Potato, Apple & Turkey Chili is going to be your new favorite! It combines sweet and savory elements into one delicious dish. It is delicious served with cornbread on the side.  Let me know if you try it! I love to think that this is fall in a dish! 

Sweet Potato, Apple & Turkey Chili

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Servings: 4-5

Ingredients:

● 1 ½ tbsp olive oil

● 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into small chunks

● 1 medium onion, diced

● 1 ½ tbsp minced garlic

● 2 tbsp chili powder

● 4 tsp ground cumin

● 2 tsp smoked paprika

● ¼ tsp salt

● 2 ¾ c water

● 1 15oz can black beans

● 1 15oz can dark red kidney beans

● 1 14oz can diced tomatoes

● 3 tsp lime juice

● 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced

● 1 13oz Turkey Polska Kielbasa, cut into small chunks

● Optional: sour cream and cheese for topping

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potato and onion, and cook until the onion begins to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. Pour half of the lime juice over the apples to keep them from turning brown until they are ready to be added.

2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Continue cooking for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the water, and bring to a simmer. Cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

3. While the sweet potato mixture is cooking, heat a large skillet pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey kielbasa to the pan. Cook approximately 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the turkey is lightly browned on each side. Set aside.

4. Add the black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and remaining lime juice to the sweet potato mixture. Increase the heat to high until the mixture returns to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce the heat back to medium-low, and add the turkey kielbasa and apple. Stir well, and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Top with cheese and sour cream if desired. I hope that you enjoy!

Pumpkin Spiced French Toast Casserole

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There is something about Fall that makes me want all the pumpkin goodies! I absolutely love Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Coffees, and I could devour and entire pan of Pumpkin Muffins! If you are like me and have a passion for all things pumpkin, this Pumpkin Spiced French Toast Casserole is going to be a new family favorite for sure! You can easily make this a Gluten-Free recipe by substituting GF bread. This would also be the perfect dish to serve for a Thanksgiving Brunch!

Pumpkin Spiced French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

● 1 stick of butter (½ cup)

● 1 cup of brown sugar

● 1 loaf of thickly sliced bread (Sara Lee’s Artesano Brioche is perfect for this recipe)

● 4 eggs

● 1 cup pumpkin spice coffee creamer (Coffee Mate Natural Bliss Pumpkin Spice Creamer was used for this recipe)

● ½ cup whole milk

● 1 ½ tsp pumpkin spice

● Optional: powdered sugar and maple syrup for topping

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt one stick of butter over medium heat. Add the cup of brown sugar, and stir continuously until the sugar has mostly melted and combined with the butter. Be careful not to overcook or burn the butter. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, and spread evenly across the bottom.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and milk until well blended.

3. Place slices of bread on the butter and brown sugar mixture to form one layer. Spoon or pour half of the egg mixture over the bread. Add a second layer of bread on top, and spoon or pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread.

4. Sprinkle pumpkin spice over the bread. Cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight, or for at least six hours.

5. When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator, and let sit for about 15-20 minutes. (This is especially important if using a glass baking dish, so that you are not putting a cold glass dish into a hot oven)

6. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes with the foil on, and then remove, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup if desired.

Polar Bear Toast

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Looking for a fun and new breakfast or snack idea for the kiddos? This Polar Bear Toast is sure to be a hit! I love that you can use regular or gluten free bread too, and it could not be easier to prepare!

Polar Bear Toast

Ingredients: 

  • Whipped Cream Cheese
  • Sliced Bananas
  • Blueberries 
  • Toasted White Bread (you can use regular or gluten free) 

Directions: 

  1. Take a slice of toasted white bread and spread whipped cream cheese on top.
  2. Take 3 slices of banana. Place two slices on top of the toast for ears and one at the bottom for a mouth.
  3. Take two blueberries and place them on the toast as eyes.
  4. Take another blueberry and place it on the banana mouth.
  5. Serve & enjoy! Your kiddos (and even adults) are sure to love this! 

Save Big at Publix with the Family Celebrations Promotion + Chicken Pesto Pizza Recipe!

This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own. 

Now that school is in session and I am back in the classroom this year, meal planning has become a very important part of my life each week. I love to plan my meals on the weekends so I know exactly what we are having for dinner each night. Not only does meal planning help with time-management, but it also helps me with my budget. I especially love shopping at Publix to help me navigate these areas of my life, because they always offer such fantastic promotional offers.

Publix is currently offering new, exclusive coupons as part of their Family Celebrations Promotion. There are over $44 in coupons online at GetTheSavings.com/FamilyCelebrations for you to to scan, print and redeem, or you can find the Family Celebrations Booklet at your local Florida Publix store. You will need to hurry though as these offers are only valid through 9/26

As someone who loves to save money wherever I can, I appreciate that the coupons from the Family Celebrations booklet are for grocery items that I use on a weekly basis. A few dollars here and there stacks up to some really sweet savings in my grocery budget each week!

Grocery Items for the Family Celebrations Promotion:

  • $1.50/1 Café Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee 10 oz can 
  • $1/1 Kellogg’s Corn Flakes 24 oz or Frosted Flakes 24 oz 
  • $1/1 Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles 10.7–12.3 oz 
  • $1/1 Garden Fresh Gourmet Salsa 16 oz 
  • $1.25/1 Lantana Hummus Item 10 oz 
  • $0.50/1 Ortega Taco Sauce 8 oz (excludes Street Taco Sauces) 
  • $1/1 Pop Tart Bites, Pop Tarts Crisps or Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Poppers 
  • $1/1 Rizo Bros California Creamery Queso Cheese 8 oz 
  • $1.50/1 Smithfield Pork Tenderloin or Filet Item 
  • $0.50/1 Thomas’ English Muffins 
  • $1/1 Wesson Vegetable, Canola, Best Blend or Corn Oil 48 oz 
  • $1/4 BodyArmor SportWater 1L 
  • $1/4 BodyArmor Sports Drink 16 oz 
  • $1/4 BodyArmor Sports Drink 28 oz 
  • $0.40/1 Rico Jasmine, Medium or Long Grain Rice, 2-3 lb 
  • $1/2 Frontera Salsa 16 oz or Skillet Sauce 8 oz 
  • $0.75/1 La Lechera Dulce de Leche or Sweetened Condensed Milk 13.4-14 oz 
  • $2/1 Nesquik Powder 30-35.5 oz 
  • $0.50/1 Green Giant Four Cheese Pizza 9.6 oz or Cauliflower Pizza Crust 2 pk 
  • $1/1 Apple & Eve Organic Juice 64 oz

Our family loves to have pizza night each week, so I was thrilled to see the coupon for $0.50/1 Green Giant Four Cheese Pizza 9.6 oz or Cauliflower Pizza Crust 2 pk. Have you tried these yet? The Cauliflower Pizza Crusts are absoluetely delcious, and I love that they are made with simple ingredients like real Cauliflower and have no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The Green Giant Cauliflower Pizza Crust 2 packs are perfect for a quick and delicious dinner and for bringing the family together around the table during the hustle and bustle of a busy week.

One of my favorite pizzas to make with these crusts is a Chicken Pesto Pizza. With the savings that we can score right now at Publix, I am stocking up my freezer on these delicious crusts! These are a great way to get dinner on the table in no time! 

Chicken Pesto Pizza

Ingredients:

2 count pack of Green Giant Cauliflower Pizza Crust

3 tablespoons of your favorite Pesto Sauce

2 cups shredded mozarella cheese

2 cups cooked chicken cubes (you can also use cubed rotisserie chicken)

1/2 red onion thinly sliced

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Place the Green Giant Cauliflower Crusts on a sheet pan and bake for 8-10 minutes

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes

Top each Cauliflower Crust with 1 1/2 tablespoon of Pesto

Place 1 cup of cubed chicken and 1 cup of shredded mozarella cheese on top of each pizza

Place equal amounts of red onion on each pizza

Bake at 425 for another 8-10 minutes or until the crust is nice and crispy and toppings are melted and bubbly.

Serve and enjoy! Let me know if you try this delicious and easy recipe!

Walgreens Photo: 6 FREE 5×7 Premium Photo Cards!

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Wow! Through September 12, 2020, Walgreens Photo is offering a set of 6 FREE 5×7 Premium Photo Cards with promo code 6PREMIUM at checkout.

Be sure to choose  free in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs.

GO HERE to create your photo cards. The holidays will be here before you know it, so this is a great time to get a few cards for Free!

15 + Fall Leaf Crafts for Kids

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out these 15+ Fall Leaf Crafts for Kids. There is something for everyone, and these crafts will keep the kids busy for hours! These would also be great if you are a teacher and looking for fall craft ideas!

Fall Leaf Sewing Cards by Kids Activities Blog
Leaf Fox Family by Sweet Silly Sara
Clay Leaf Bowls by Make Life Lovely
Watercolor Leaf Garland by
Stained Glass Fall Leaf Craft by Ginger Casa
Watercolor Leaf Wreath by Happiness is Homemade
Crayon Shaving Leaves by Meaningful Mama
Yarn Wrapped Leaves by Paper and Glue
Leaf People by Fantastic Fun and Learning
Pretty Leaf Garland by Paper and Glue
Thankful Tree Craft by Meaningful Mama
Leaf Peg Dolls by In the Playroom
Paper Leaf Wreath by Polka  Dot Chair
Scrapbook Paper Leaf by Cutesy Crafts
Leaf Rubbings by KC Edventures

Clean and Deoderize Your Kitchen With Arm & Hammer Garbage Disposal Cleaner!

Disclosure: I was provided with product to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please see my disclosure policy)

In our home, the kitchen is constantly in use. I am always up to something, whether it be cooking and cleaning, or baking, the kitchen is a very high-traffic area. With that being said, I love for my kitchen to always smell fresh and clean!

I find that no matter how tidy I may try to keep the kitchen, there are always dishes in the sink. Even though we have a dishwasher, the dishes always mysteriously find their way into the sink. Of course, with the dishes comes food scraps. The garbage disposal in my sink defintely gets a workout each day, and I find that it can often start to smell. I am so thankful that I found out about Arm & Hammer Garbage Disposal Cleaner. It has truly been a lifesaver!

Arm & Hammer Garbage Disposal Cleaner cleans and deodorizes your disposal with the power of baking soda, leaving behind a fresh citrus scent. I appreciate that it is also super easy to use. In fact, you simply prep, get the sink ready, and drop the capsule into the disposal. Use twice a week or as needed to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal leaving behind a fresh citrus scent. It really is that easy! 

  • Eliminates Odors
  • Easy to Use
  • Leaves behind a fresh citrus scent

Would you like to try Arm & Hammer Garbage Disposal Cleaner for yourself? You can find it on Amazon and other retailers nationwide. Be sure to let me know if you try it and what you think!

Back to School with the New Crayola Colors of the World Crayons!

Disclosure: I was provided with product to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please see my disclosure policy)

School is in full swing for our family! Whether your kids are attending a brick and mortar building for school, or you choose to teach them at home virtually, you will more than likely need school supplies. One of my favorite products to shop for every year is crayons. Of course, only the best will do, and hands down, Crayola  wins every year!

This year, Crayola is excited to announce their new Crayola Colors of the World Crayons. With Colors of the World Crayons, children can fully and accurately represent themselves and the world around them through creativity, imagination and self-expression! The 24 newly formulated colors reflect more than 40 global skin tone shades encompassing three undertones – Rose, Almond & Golden – and range in skin tone colors from Extra Light to Deepest. Colors of the World packaging features color panels and authentic color names to help kids find the shade that best represents themselves. Each crayon is wrapped in a gradient skin tone label, with the color name in English, Spanish and French.

Colors of the World Crayons (32 count): In addition to featuring the 24 new skin tone colors, the Colors of the World 32 count crayon pack features four hair and four eye color crayons – perfect for creating a complete self-portrait.

The 24 count is available on Crayola.com for $2.49, and the 32 count is available exclusively at Walmart for $1.77.

In addition to the Crayola Colors of the World Crayons, you can find other Crayola favorites at retailers nationwide. My son Brady loves the Crayola Sketchpads to create his own unique creations!