D.I.Y Wicked Broom Candy Poppers + Graveyard Dessert With ibotta Deal

Like so many, I love the holidays.

However, while many love Halloween for it's plethora of creatively gory, and excessively gratuitous sweets I love it more for it's sentimental value. Every year, growing up, the first day of Fall marked the first day of crafting season in my home. It was the marker for all of the harvest festivals and craft shows to come; the day when Momma would begin announcing her creative decoration schematics, and gift-worthy crafts. The day I'd finally learn why on Earth we'd been hoarding walnut shells for 5 months, and what all of those old socks we'd been collecting would be used for.

These days I don't quite have kids of my own yet, (just one giant freakishly adorable baby, apparently), but I still strive to continue my family tradition of bringing the holiday spirit to friends and family through handmade treats and gifts.

Since I've begun watching my sugar intake over the past few years I've come to rely more on the crafting aspect of seasonal gifting, than the homemade sweets. Don't get me wrong, I love whipping up a low sugar Vegan cheesecake as much as the next gal, but not everyone is as enthusiastic, or brave, enough to chow down on a dairy-free dessert with cheese in the name. Thankfully Walmart has me covered, even in the middle of September, with an entire aisle full of fiendish sun-size treats.

Not that we need an excuse to visit Walmart, we seem to be in there multiple times a week this time of the yea- but it turns our many of my friends and family's favorite Halloween treats are also featured under the Walmart category on ibotta. In fact, the brand new (and elusive in my neck of the woods) Nestle Butterfinger Skull Cups share a page with an equally fiendish rebate deal for Butterfinger fun size. That's right, for a limited time you can score some cold hard, very much alive, cash-back on your Halloween candy stock ups at Walmart when you use the ibotta app. We are stalking that seasonal aisle for those Butterfinger Skull Cups like we're zombies hunting for brains ya'll!

Since I had several bags of delicious Butterfinger fun-size treats on hand after our recent Walmart ibotta shopping trip I knew I had to fund a cute way to present them. I'd seen plenty of people on Pinterest already sharing little cauldrons full of candy, and tissue paper pumpkins. Cute. But I wanted to craft something especially wicked, witchy wicked that is- so I gathered these supplies:

Empty Toilet Paper Tubes (Or Paper Towel Rolls, Cut In Thirds)

Large Bag or Bundle of Raffia (Crafting Straw)

Twine Rope And/Or Thin Ribbon

10-12" Sticks (Twigs From The Garden Will Do)

Yellow Tissue Paper

Hot Glue Gun

Scissors

Fun-Size Candy

I started by placing my toilet paper/paper towel rolls in the center of 2 layered sheets of tissue paper. I next dropped 3-4 fun size Butterfinger candies down the center of the tube. Smaller candies will 'pop' more and can be used in addition to your fun-size filler. I chose one of my most gnarly twigs and placed it down the center of the tube, in between the candy, so it just touched the bottom. I then gathered the tissue paper at the top of the tube and twisted it closed. Cut off any excess tissue paper, leaving about a 1.5" 'stem'.

At this point my project was beginning to resemble it's end product. It's important to make any adjustments here, as this is the 'core' of your popper and will not be able to be adjusted once you continue with the decorating process.

Because I have a bunch of spare ribbon laying around at any given time I next tied the top of the tube off, about 1/2" from the very top of the tube. This ribbon only mildly acts to secure the tissue paper, and really serves as a guide to attach the raffia strands.

Carefully I placed a 1" line of hot glue on the ribbon and laid 12" long segments of raffia across in a single layer. I repeated this process until I had gone around the circumference of the tube once. A second layer was appropriate in some places so I repeated this step again.

I then took my twine rope and tied two lengths around the tube, over my hot glue lines, where the ribbon was underneath. This helped hide some of my sloppy work and add that final decorative touch to my broom. Only minor trimming was needed on the top of the broom- I cut at an angle, downward to help shape the bristles at the very top and allow for my stick 'handle' to become more visible.

This simple craft is not only an adorable decoration throughout the Halloween and Fall season, but serves as a functional candy popper for entertaining and gifting. Simply poke the twig handle down through the bottom of the broom and your candy will come pouring out. For now, though, I keep one on my mantel with the other decorations- it's almost passable as an expensive home decor handmade item!

Of course it wouldn't be Halloween without some fiendish ways to enjoy our favorite treats, so I also whipped up a tried and true classic with some of the leftover Butterfinger fun size treats. This layered pudding cup is more than the classic cookie dirt- I used crushed Butterfingers to make a little 'fresh dirt mound' where the grave was 'dug,' and used some cookie icing to write 'RIP' on another Butterfinger fun-size. Add a few sprigs of mint for some overgrown weeds, and a candy pumpkin with a spider ring and you've got one adorable and creepy dessert.

We've still got plenty of time to imagine more fiendish ways to celebrate Halloween this year, but those ibotta deals at Walmart won't be around forever, so be sure to head into Walmart and stock up on all of your creepy favorites now. And please, do let us know if you spot the Butterfinger Skull Cups on a shelf near you! Now, tell me, how do you like to dress up candy to pass out for Halloween parties or trick-or-treaters?

HOT! $1 Off 2 Hallmark Cards At Walmart Printable Coupon!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendHallmark #CollectiveBias

Happy Holidays! Make sure that you send love and joy this season by using Hallmark Greeting Cards to tell your friends and family how much you care! Click  to save $1.00 off of a two Hallmark Greeting Card purchase at Walmart, minimum $1.00 purchase required. Take advantage of the savings and #SendHallmark this holiday season!

Offer:
Save $1.00 off 2 Hallmark cards at Walmart (minimum $1 purchase required)

Legal:
Consumer: Coupon valid at participating retailers in the U.S.A. on any purchase of two Hallmark (including Sunrise) and Connections from Hallmark greeting cards totaling $1.00 or more from participating Walmart stores. Not valid for online purchases. Limit one $1.00 savings per coupon and one coupon per customer. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. May not be combined with other offers, including coupons and promotional merchandise. Excludes gift enclosures and packaged and boxed cards. Not valid on gift card purchases or past purchases. See store for any additional exclusions. No cash value. Tax not included. Offer may be cancelled or modified at any time. This offer is exclusive for you; coupon may not be redistributed. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. No photocopied, photographed, scanned mechanically or digitally reproduced or altered coupon accepted. Coupon fraud is punishable by law. DO NOT DOUBLE.

Mail to: Hallmark Cards, PO Box 880224, El Paso, TX, 88588-0224

How To Get The #ConfidenceUDeserve To Survive Shark Week (Hot Deal Inside!)

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ConfidenceUDeserve #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: This happens EVERY month.

I do believe the phrase is "I am woman, hear me ROAR!," right?

Woman have a great reputation for kicking butt and taking names all while handling everything life throws at them with sophistication and grace. They don't call them 'big girl panties,' for nothing- you've earned your title, and every day, even 'those' days are a reason to celebrate bring a woman!

Of course, we have a bad wrap for tackling that 'time of the month,' ladies- don't let Aunt Flow trample over your fabulous diamond encrusted kitten parade. We're tough, one of a kind, problem solving, act now ask questions later, human growing, sisterhood sharing, Charlie's Angels, aced that entrance exam, landed that new promotion, one-of-a-kind unique WOMEN! Don't let Aunt Flow trample all over your parade, take charge and party louder, longer, and harder with 5 simple tips to survive Shark Week!

Tip #1: Bake It Off- Everyone knows that chocolate and ice cream are favorite indulgences, but have you ever baked to entertain Aunt Flow? Not only can you have a say into just how many chocolate chips go into those cookies, or decide that 'Triple Chocolate' is one chocolate too few on your road to 'Quadruple Chocolate Chunk Brownies,' but the act of baking will help give you an immediate focus, with imminent reward that that will generate extra happy endorphins! Snack on your treats all week and continue to feel the accomplishment high! Not a baker? Try taking on a similar hobby style project and enjoy similar results.

Tip #2: Dance Off Pants Off- While you may feel like doing anything BUT exercising, studies show that physical activity can not only ease discomfort from cramps, but can also create those mood boosting endorphins. My favorite way to get up and get moving? A dance party? It's okay, you can dance in your sweats, a sun dress, or even your underwear- this party's at home, and it's all for you! Bonus points if you happen to have one of those fancy dancing video games to practice those smooth moves with! And, remember, we're fierce women who let nothing get in our way- U By Kotex has everything to keep you covered and Cha-Ch-Cha-ing straight through the week!

Tip #3: Lean On Me- We're not longer in high school. The days of whispers and giggles of your period are long gone. Today's women are modern, informed, and empowered. If you're having a rough day at work, feel a little off your game, or simply need someone to recite all of Noah's lines in your impromptu rendition of The Notebook, tap into your powerful network of fiercely real women! Men may have their 'bromances' but nothing beats the bond between strong women- only a woman knows what it's like to try and curl their hair while applying makeup, just how much of a miracle (it is that you didn't strangle your husband while giving) birth is, and what it's like to squat in a public bathroom while keeping your COACH fro touching the floor. Don't forget to utilize your sisters this week!

Tip #4: The Flow Never Bothered Me Anyway- If you're a period pro then you've already got Shark Week in the bag, but every woman knows that every period is different. Be prepared for those unexpected weeks with a simple survival kit. Nothing interrupts an awesome day of transforming and rocking the world quite like an unexpected slap from mother nature. Never be caught out of stock when it comes to your necessary supplies- who wants to send the troops on an incognito run to a co-worker's purse or that bathroom quarter machine? My period products are colorful, and awesome- I use U By Kotex, and their selection of pads, tampons, and even feminine wipes are always on hand for unexpected visits. Right now you can even stock up on U By Kotex products with a special deal at CVS!

Tip #5:  Fun. Funky. Fresh- Period are not a punishment. Periods are a badge of honor. A mark of a beautiful, strong, woman. Your period supplies should be just as strong, and vibrant, as you.  Rock Shark Week with powerful period protection contained in stylish, colorful, wrappers from the U By Kotex collection. Even better, save $2.00 right now on U By Kotex products when you stock up at CVS- so you're never caught off guard when Aunt Flow comes to town! Now, let's share a laugh- in the comments section share some of the funny ways you're heard that 'time of the month' referred too as (nicknames/phrases.)

What Daughter Says: Rock every day with the confidence and tenacity that is womanhood. You own it, girlfriend!

Having a period each month is one more obstacle we all must deal with. Right, ladies?

How do you balance a busy schedule with the mental, emotional and physical challenges your time of the month brings on? Personally, I figure why not start off by being confident and comfortable with U by Kotex products from CVS. Specifically designed for easy use. Giving you the #ConfidenceUDeserve.

When I'm at my local CVS, I can pick up extra items I need to get me through my period like pain relief medication, makeup, or my favorite; chocolate! The best part is that you can now save $2.00 on U by Kotex products at your local CVS store!

A Kroger #FrozenMustBuy, $6 Meal For 2, + Garlic Parmesan Bread Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FrozenMustBuy #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: That comes with a side of love!

Momma was home all day, every day, attending to the family's needs- we were her 'job' as she lightheartedly called it. Even so, the demands on her time were ample with the balancing of her multiple doctor's appointments and my own extracurricular activities. Since Pop worked as a traveling technician his hours varied and we seldom knew if we would see him in time for dinner on a weeknight. While the vast majority of our dinners were home cooked, or make ahead portions from Momma's own kitchen, she sometime had to rely on frozen goods to get her through a bind when the schedule unexpectedly changed.

Regardless, Momma was always sure to inject a little extra love into all she served. She always plated frozen entrees, to make them more palatable, and filling. Did you know that we eat heavily with our eyes, and when portions appear bigger we feel fuller quicker? She also always added at least one homemade side to the mix, whether it was some canned corn with fresh garlic and parsley, or her famous garlic bread.

Momma's Garlic Parmesan Bread recipe was a simple one, which took less than 10 minutes, and could easily be made in the time it took to heat 2 frozen entrees. While the type of bread varied, she usually had a Sourdough or French roll in the bread box on the counter for such emergency occasions. She also always had, in the pantry or fridge, a jar of Alfredo sauce- the secret ingredient to her delicious side.

I love Momma's Garlic Parmesan Bread recipe for it's flavor and simplicity; it's so easy I've trained taught the other half how to make it! Simply grab your favorite loaf of sliced bread and lay a few slices out on a foiled baking sheet. Next, spread a generous spoonful of Alfredo sauce with a butter knife. Plop 1 teaspoon of minced garlic in the center and gently spread it out to the edges with the same butter knife. Sprinkle an equally generous portion of shaved Parmesan cheese atop and retire the baking sheet to a pre-heated broiler or oven at 400F for 8 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown.

This week we're enjoying Momma's Garlic Parmesan Bread alongside some of our favorite Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice, and Bertolli meals, because there's an amazing stock up sale going on at our local Kroger! Are you a Kroger Plus member who's always looking for great deals? Right now, through May 19th, you can receive a great deal on meals at Kroger when you use your Kroger Plus card. This is a #FrozenMustBuy !

You can buy single-serve Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's and Bertolli meals and desserts for $1.49 each when you buy any SIX! These prices are so low you can stock your freezer for the entire Summer- I know I've already filled our stockpile in the garage! The wide range of health minded entrees in the Healthy Choice range, and the delicious home-style inspired selection of Marie Callender's entrees make for a great variety to satisfy the entire family. I was especially excited to see the newer Bertolli single serve entrees and desserts in this promotion, so I could indulge on a dime, too!

Would you believe we enjoyed everything on the table for less than $6, thanks to Kroger's amazing #FrozenMustBuy sale? I was able to enjoy a Healthy Choice Country Herb Chicken dish complete with roasted potatoes, corn, and cranberry dessert while the other half got his red meat fix with a Marie Callender's Steak and Roasted Potatoes with green beans entree. We rounded our meal out with Momma's Garlic Parmesan bread and Bertolli's new Italian inspired Triple Chocolate Strata Cake for a delicious ending that really satisfied. Don't have a Kroger near you? Shop at your local Kroger store, such as Ralph's, Fred Meyer's, Dillon's and more between May 13-19th, 2015 to take advantage of this amazing deal!

We don't eat frozen meals every day- but I'm always glad to have them on hand when we need them, it certainly beats skipping a meal due to lack of time! The best thing about frozen entrees is that they won't go bad- so hurry on over to Kroger stores, such as my local Ralphs, and take advantage of this amazing frozen must buy deal before it goes away on May 19th! Oh, and I almost forgot, you can print Momma's super simple, and delicious, Garlic Parmesan Bread recipe here. Now, tell me, how do you dress up a quick meal in a pinch?

What Daughter Says: Stock up on your favorite frozen entrees and serve Momma's Garlic Parmesan Bread the next time you're in a bind for time!

Make Our Crunchy Nacho Chicken Casserole With RO*TEL On Rollback At Walmart!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JustAddRotel #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: The best kind of deal is a delicious one!

Let's talk pantry staples real quick. You know, those cans or boxes of ingredients your Momma always kept on hand to whip up a last minute snack, spice up the perfect dish, or transform leftovers into something entirely new. In our house, growing up, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and RO*TEL were must haves for our pantry. Whenever Momma caught a good sale, or coupon, she'd buy these items by the bulk because she knew her creativity could transform them into a number of simple and delicious meals to satisfy her family. So, when I heard RO*TEL was on rollback at Walmart for just $.98 a can now through April 6th I knew I had to re-stock my pantry.

With March Madness in full swing and the Big Tournament nearing everyone will be hunting down tried and true recipes to keep their guest happy and snacking through the dribbles, rebounds, and slam dunks. Few things pair as well with a can of Original RO*TEL like cheese, and our family's favorite Crunchy Chicken Casserole makes the perfect tournament dip when paired with your favorite tortilla chips. Best of all, it can be whipped up in advance, or simmer in the Crock-Pot until ready to be served!

Catch your great savings on RO*TEL at Walmat today-

Are you creating a big snacking spread for the Big Tournament? Looking for ways to spice up game day and save money at the same time? #JustAddRotel is the perfect way to spice up your favorite recipes. From guacamole to pot roast sliders, adding a can of RO*TEL makes a traditional game day recipe into something extraordinary. Click this link http://cbi.as/4wqx  to print a Walmart coupon where you buy 3 cans of RO*TEL, you will get 1 can free and try our Crunchy Chicken Nacho Casserole recipe below, your guests are sure to love it! Be sure to look for RO*TEL in either the Pasta or Hispanic aisle in Walmart! What recipe would you kick up with RO*TEL?

Hurry, this coupon expires on April 6th and is only while supplies last!

What Daughter Says: Stock up on RO*TEL at Walmart now through April 6th, before it leaves Rollback!

Crunchy Nacho Chicken Casserole

***click here for printable recipe

Low Priced Meal Solutions With Chef Boyardee Rollback at Walmart

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LowPriceMeals #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Even Super Woman has a bag of tricks.

When I was a young girl Momma had several tricks in her cabinet to survive a busy school night. Pop often didn't get home from his day on the road until near or after my bedtime and she wasn't about to prepare a four course meal that would be eaten cold. And, while we didn't eat from a can every night, Chef Boyardee was an affordable solution we both loved. I remember the faces Momma would make out of mushrooms she'd add to my bowl of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs, or the homemade croutons and steamed spinach that made my favorite (Mini Ravioli) so delicious. Yes, Momma knew that even the most skilled of moms needed a little extra hand in the kitchen now and then, and that she could whip up a delicious meal on a budget with little effort when she reached for those red cans.

The temperatures broke the 90s here in Southern California this week, and with an extra hour of daylight thanks to Daylight Savings, I'm looking forward to the Spring and more time with the family. Now through March 16th, 2015, every can of Chef Boyardee is on rollback for just $.75 t your local Walmart. Chef Boyardee raviolis, mac & cheese, and spaghetti and meatballs are just some of the varieties you can enjoy at a low price, but this rollback won't last for long and my local shelves were already dwindling- so hurry in and stockpile these great family favorites today! Check out the complete list of Chef Boyardee products on rollback here and look for special Rollback signs in the canned foods aisle of your Walmart.
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Whether you grew up with great Chef Boyardee products, like me, or re hoping to feed some ravenous kids on a dime, this rollback is the perfect excuse to get a little fancy with minimal effort. This time of year we eat a lot of squash, from zucchini and spaghetti squash to the large and slightly sweet acorn squash (pictured above.) When I'm in a hurry I'll pan saute some fresh veggies such as carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini and toss them in with a can of Chef Boyardee Mini Raviolis. When the jumbo zucchini crops come in at the corner farm stand I thin slice some wedges and pan grill them to make mock 'pizzas' with Chef Boyardee Whole Grain Lasagna and fresh spinach.

Recently I found myself fascinated with the shape of the acorn squash and sought a new way to incorporate it into my quick low priced meals for the week. After coring and thin slicing the acorn squash I basted it in a simple brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce base on my trusty NordicWare grill pan. Since this type of squash is slow to cook I opened  can of Chef Boyardee Beefaroni and poured it into two mini casserole dishes with some low fat cheese and fresh diced parsley. By the time these had spent 15 minutes in the 375F oven they were beginning to make my mouth water and my squash was grilled to perfection.

I served the oven-baked Chef Boyardee Beefaroni over  wedge of grilled acorn squash for the picture perfect meal no one would ever guess cost me less than $2 per serving. The sweetness of the acorn squash marinated with the tangy Worcestershire glaze was the perfect pairing for the hearty Beefaroni. This was one lunch where I didn't have to remind anyone to clear their dishes!

As we roll into Spring our family is going to be busier than ever- I have several blog events to attend, and many vacations lined up for the Summer. With all the traveling, packing, and planning I'll be looking for ways to save money and time like never before. Stocking up on our favorite Chef Boyardee canned meals for just $.75  piece is definitely on my game plan! Do you have a secret tool in your pantry or fridge for making affordable meals in a flash?

What Daughter Says: Stock up on your favorite Chef Boyardee products and make dinner a delicious deal tonight.

My Best Black Friday Deal Ever + Black Friday Trends That May Surprise You

This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me by Coupons. com. Hosts for this event are Still Blonde after all these Years and ModlyChic. 

Momma Told Me: Always keep the receipt.

Our family has never been great at gift giving. I come from a long line of  'regifters' and December 26th 'return line swappers.' In fact, growing up, there were few gifts ever given without a return receipt firmly taped to the box. I recall the boots, received by Momma from my grandmother, were promptly brought back to the store and exchanged for some sweaters on deep clearance in after Christmas markdowns. Let's face it, finding the 'perfect' gift for one person, say for a birthday is hard enough without the swarms of crowds and confusing barrage of seasonal advertising- so it's understandable the crowd mentality, as a whole is a little crazed when you factor in the proportion of events this time of year.

As frugal as Momma is, I was raised to be a Black Friday shopper. We'd bundle up, after our post turkey coma nap and head out around 3 AM to hit the early store sales. I'm ashamed to admit I grew into one of 'those' people myself. As a young adult I would often plan my entire week around staking out the biggest deal prospects, and even spent 3 days camped in front of a Best Buy in 2005. We'll ignore that at 19 years of age I had absolutely no value for me time, and consider this 'score' my best Black Friday deal ever, as I walked out of the electronics department (one of the first 5 in line) with a brand new XBOX 360 system bundle for just a penny.

However, my days of sleeping in front of retail establishments are long over; I have less and less time to plan tonight's dinner let alone orchestrate a complicated assault on mall seasonal sales.Regardless, I've been finding some of the Black Friday Articles on Good Stuff fascinating, with an informative look at the shopping habits of the modern consumer during this phenomena of an annual event. Naturally, with the growth of my generation, the Millenials, Cyber Monday is appropriately poised to take the place of this beloved nationwide past time, Black Friday, which has become a holiday in itself. Have you ever taken time off of work to hit a Black Friday sale? Personally, I find the appeal of shopping online from work, or the comfort of my own home, on Cyber Monday a big relief.

Surprisingly there is only a 10% margin of spending difference for modern consumers shopping Black Friday versus Cyber Monday sales, and with specials such as FREE Shipping and extended return periods I find myself wondering how long the retail chains will be able to hold out with brick and mortar sales. The Good Stuff cites that Southern U.S. states spend ore on average than the rest of the country during Black Friday events, where as the Midwest tends to spend more during Cyber Monday. But are the bargains simply so steep that the average spending (a whopping 60% of Americans shopping on Black Friday) only spend $100 or less- or is this a sign that trends are leaning more in favor of inline Cyber Monday sales? Be sure to check out Black Friday Articles on The Good Stuff for more thought provoking stats.

Whether you have all of your holiday shopping done *cough- like me cough* or are planning a brutal assault on post-holiday sales, this coming week- we can all agree a little extra cash goes a long way this time of the year. Coupons.com is one of my main sources for savings in store and online when it comes to stocking up and gifting, and they're hosting the mother of all sweepstakes with their Coupons.com Black Friday Giveaway running now through 11/28/2014. Head on over now and give their wheel a spin for your shot at daily instant prizes and the $10,000 grand prize! All entrants will also gain access to special discounts from brand name sponsors like Osh Kosh B Gosh and Jo-Anns crafts!

What was your best Black Friday, or Cyber Monday deal ever?

What Daughter Says: It's the thought that counts, not how many hours you spent in line trying to save on something!