Red, White & Blue Food for July 4

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What better way to celebrate July 4 than by serving a bunch of Patriotic plates of red, white, and blue goodies! (I know some people think it’s a little corny, but I personally can’t get enough.) Our tentative plan—and I say tentative because it depends on the rain forecast—is to grill chicken, asparagus, and corn on the cob along with these yummy sides.

Red, White & Blue Fruit Salad:

This one is so simple it doesn’t even need a recipe. Just mix 1 box of strawberries, 1 pint of blueberries, and 4 sliced bananas in a large bowl.

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad:

You know those cute little bags of tri-colored mini potatoes? Now is the time to use them. (Yes, they’re overpriced, but I’ll make an exception for a holiday). Aside from chopping, the effort is minimal, and everyone seems to universally enjoy it.

To make, you’ll need:

  • 3 lbs. potatoes  
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup vinegar (Plain or Apple Cider works best)
  • 3 Tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 Tsp. sugar
  • salt/pepper to taste

Chop potatoes into small cubes, add to a pot of boiling water, then simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse well with cold water. Refrigerate until they are at least room temperature.

Combine all of the remaining ingredients in a large bowl to make the dressing. Add cooled potatoes and stir until totally blended.

Red, White & Blue Berries:

In addition to the plain fruit salad, I’m making these for the kids. The idea comes from The Sister’s Café. Another super-simple one.

Dip whole strawberries in melted white chocolate, then coat with blue sprinkles.

 

What’s on your July 4 menu?

Super Savings Saturday – 6/24/17

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Welcome to another edition of Super Savings Saturday. This week was all about pet food. At two different stores, I stocked up on cheap food for the critters. Other good deals included free food, free lotion, and free first aid supplies.

Rite Aid:

4 packs of Band Aid gauze, regular price $2.79 plus Buy One, Get One 50% off. Total: $8.38 plus $10.00 Plenti Points. (Others mentioned on some deal sites that they received an additional $2.00 Catalina coupon with their purchase. I didn’t, but this price is good enough for me.)

2 Beneful dog food bags, clearance price $4.14. I used two $3.00 manufacturer’s coupons. Total: $1.14 each!

Walmart:

4 Aveeno lotions, regular price $2.97. I used four $3.00 manufacturer’s coupons. Total: Free!

2 Hood plain cottage cheese, regular price $2.89. I used 2 free product coupons (sent to me in a mailer as part of a promo). Total: Free!

Since we’re discussing Walmart, I wanted to mention that my store has discontinued price-matching completely. I always found it annoying and complicated, but I’m kind of sad it’s no longer even an option.

Petco:

Whole Earth Farm cat food, regular price $6.49. I used a free product with any purchase coupon. My paid purchase was a can of Friskies wet food. Total: $0.99!

 

Have you found any freebies or cheapies lately?

Cosby Trial Shows Victims are Still Blamed & Shamed

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It’s often said that rape is the most under-reported crime and after watching the Bill Cosby trial play out, it’s clear why. From the very beginning there has been an effort to shame, blame, and discredit all of the ladies who have come forward. (Personally, I find it impossible to believe that over 50 women are all lying!)

While we have progressed a lot as a society, some myths simply will not die. Take, for example, the theory that someone can “ask for it” or cause abuse by wearing “provocative clothes.” Surely, in the year 2017, with so much more awareness, this nonsense couldn’t be believed by anyone…

Not only do some people believe it wholeheartedly, it can even sway their vote. A male juror from Cosby’s trial is quoted as saying, “Let’s face it: She went up to his house with a bare midriff and incense and bath salts. What the heck?”

This is so sad, so shocking, and so illogical! Regardless of what type of clothing, or underwear, or shoes a person is wearing, it can not be an excuse for rape. Even if an individual was walking through the street in the nude, nobody has the right to molest, assault, or abuse them in any manner. A bare midriff is not an invitation to be manhandled like a piece of meat!

I truly wish we lived in a world where women and girls weren’t judged so harshly based on their appearance. A world where total equality was the norm. Unfortunately, we aren’t living in that kind of place, and until things change, we have to do everything we can to protect ourselves from vicious predators. Ladies need to carry mace in their purses, attend self defense classes, and take any reasonable safety measure. (Of course, it’s not always possible to prevent crime, but we still have to try!)

And, most of all, when a victim is brave enough to come forward, we can NOT talk about her clothes, or whether she was drinking, or her past dating history. Every victim deserves the right to be believed instead of harassed and doubted.

I am extremely disappointed by the jurors decision in the Cosby case. No matter how much I wish it had been a conviction, this is how the law works and we have to accept it. What I wonder, though, is how many others will stay silent because of what these victims were subjected to? Now, that is one scary thought to ponder…

 

How do you feel about the Cosby Case?

$50 Picket Fence Boutique Gift Card Giveaway

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I am so excited to feature a new giveaway, sponsored by The Picket Fence.

If you haven’t heard of The Picket Fence, you’re in for a treat! This baby clothes boutique features the most adorable items for littles ones. I love the outfits, accessories, bedding, toys, bags, and shoes. (Since August is the most popular month for births, now is a good time to stock up on newborn presents.)

In addition to the Baby collection, there is a section for Kids, Women, Home, and gifts with a Pittsburgh theme (where the boutique is based). Aren’t these votives incredible? Mixing and matching an assortment is such a nice touch.

Every item is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. The unique, contemporary designs are definitely a cut above the cookie-cutter things that many chains carry. Anyone searching for a one-of-a-kind gift will be pleased.

One winner will receive a $50.00 Gift Card, good for anything in the boutique. The giveaway is open thru 6/30/17. Good luck!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

As usual, there are different entry methods, but readers are encouraged to answer this question: If you win the giveaway, what would you buy?