Tobins' Tastes: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Couponing 101: Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Start Couponing


It's been awhile since I have done any couponing basics posts here on the blog. Sure, I try to always do my weekly shopping trips posts but lately I have had a lot of people ask me about couponing basics. As a result I am going to be doing a weekly series on Couponing 101 and cover things like how to get started, where to find coupons and what do all the couponing terms actually mean.

Tonight I am going to cover the basics of starting to coupon. When I really thought about the process of getting started couponing, I realized that if you don't start out with a set idea and plan of attack in mind then you are likely to do what I did and end up buying everything even remotely on sale and end up with piles of things that you can never use.

To help you avoid my mistakes here are five questions to ask yourself before you get started. Reflecting on these answers will help you come up with a reasonable and manageable way to save money while not becoming the crazy lady on tv with 500 bottles of salad dressing and nothing else to eat.

1.) What is your budget?

Setting your weekly budget is the first step to saving on groceries and household expenses. My husband and I have a set cash budget of $80 a week for all household spending. This includes groceries, toiletries, and all household items. This allows me to buy what we need and add to my stockpile, pantry, and freezer without going over board.

When it comes to setting your own personal budget, here are a few things to consider when deciding what is realistic for you:
  • When do you get paid? Weekly? Biweekly? Once a month? No set pay schedule? 
  •  How many people are in your household? 
  • Look at how much you usually spend on groceries and household purchases in a week; do you have too much food leftover at the end of the week or do things often go bad without using them? 
  • Do you have any special situations in your household? Allergies? Formula?
After taking all those things into account try to settle on a weekly budget that makes sense for you. Setting a budget could be as simple as challenging yourself to spend $10 less this week than last week and going from there.

 2.) How much do you need and how much space do you have? 

Building up a stockpile is a key part of saving money with couponing but you have to do what is realistic for you. But there is no point in having 50 boxes of pasta if your family of three will only eat two a week. It is easy to fall into the trap of buying as much of a cheap product as possible but unless it is something your family will consume before it expires than even .05 cents is to much to pay for it.

Take inventory of what you eat on a regular basis. Know that all sales usually rotate on a 4-8 week basis and most deals will come back again. If you really will eat eight boxes of cereal in six weeks then by all means buy that many but I always try to stick to just two of most deals unless they are something we eat all the time, something that won't go bad or something that never goes on sale. After a few months of couponing you will have a better idea of what works for you.

Storage space is also something to consider when couponing. I live in South Florida where we don't have basements and can't really store food products in our garage but I do have an extra deep freezer as well as an under the stairs storage area. This means that I need to limit my stockpile to what I have space for. Before you start cutting coupons, think about where you will store everything you are planning to buy.

3.) How much time do you have to spend and where do you want to shop?

Personally, I do not have time to run to every store and grab every amazing deal that exists. I tried to do that for awhile but with a full time job and a life it just wasn't realistic. Today, I shop once a week at Publix (more if there are really good deals and time allows) and I try to get to Target every few weeks. I don't even look at Walmart or drug store ads. While I might be missing some great deals, I am saving my time and sanity by limiting myself.

I am Publix shopper deep down inside. I have no desire to head to any other grocery store. That means I focus all my time and energy on looking for Publix deals and learning the Publix pricing and sale cycles. The same goes for household shopping at Target. I have been able to learn the couponing policies and strategies at each store and by only really shopping at those two places it is easy to stay up to date on current sales, coupons and deals. I also only allow myself to read couponing blogs that specialize in those two places so that I don't have to spend all day hitting refresh on my computer.

4.) What do you spend the most on and what do you want to save the most on?

Do you hate paying full price for toilet paper? Do you want to save on the basics so you can afford things like organic produce or better cuts of meat? Does your baby need a really expensive brand of formula? Are there brands that you love but can't bring yourself to shell out the cash for?

You don't have to go full gorilla on couponing right off the bat. You can start small by saving on certain things and slowly start to free up more money in your grocery budget for other items. Whatever it is that you hate spending full price on is a great place to start your couponing journey. Maybe cutting and printing every coupon you ever see is too much for you. But if you were just looking for and cutting out coupons for diapers, or formula, or Schick Razors (just me?) then couponing may be more manageable for you and you will be more likely to stick with it instead of burning out in a few weeks.

5.) Why are you couponing?

I debated on whether this question should be first or last. Couponing takes time. It can be frustrating. There are so many times when all I want to do is go to the store without a list and just grab whatever I want without regard for prices. But then I remember why I coupon.

My husband and I are blessed that we don't have to coupon to put food on our table. But we do have to cut our spending somewhere if we want to be able to save, go on trips, or enjoy little extras in life. I coupon because there are so many other things that I can spend $50+ a week.

With our cash budget, we often set a fun savings goal for ourselves that we put any of our extra weekly cash towards. Right now we are saving for a trip to the Biltmore Estate over Christmas break. Last year we paid cash for a brand new, long awaited Canon T4i DLSR Camera. Those are the things that I have in the back of my mind when I would rather not get a shopping list together or hassle with coupons in the checkout line.

Why do you want to coupon? Do you want to save so you can pay down debt? Meet a savings goal like a down payment on house? Are you simply looking to be able to provide for your family better for less? Whatever the reason, big or small, keep that in mind as you get started couponing and inevitably get frustrated and consider quitting. Believe me you're going to need it : )

New here? Just getting started couponing? Stay tuned for next week's Couponing 101 post. While you're waiting be sure to check out my Learn To Coupon page for more info on getting started and sneak a peak at my weekly shopping trips to see what I save each week and how.

What do you want to know about couponing? Comment with your questions, suggestions or post ideas!

Weekly Shopping Totals: Saved 65% at Publix


Despite being under the weather and having a few evening events this week, I did manage to shop last week's sale ad at Publix. I was able to find quite a few good deals on things we use on a regular basis as well as stock up on Diet Coke (my number one weakness).

We also got our veggie share this week and it was full basics which was great because we needed nothing in the way of produce this week.

Photo from Affordable Organics (where we get our biweekly share)

After two $5/$30 Winn Dixie coupons and the rest of my coupons and store sales I spent less than $40 and even after our $45 for the produce share (which is biweekly, and I split the $45 between two weeks of grocery budget) I stayed on budget for the last payday.

Breakdown of this week's Publix trip:
Total retail value: $109.13
Total spent: $38.04
Total saved: $71.09
Percent saved: 65%

What I got with sale/coupon match ups:

  • 4 boxes of Cascadian Farms organic granola bars or cereal, retails for $3.99 a box, on sale for $2.50 a box
  • 5 Dannon Okios Greek Yogurts, retails for $1.20 each
    • Used a $1/5 Publix Ad. Flyer coupon
    • Made them $1 each
  • 2 canisters of Quaker Oatmeal, retails for $2.93 each, on sale BOGO ($1.46 each)
    • Used a .75/2 coupon from the 1/12 RP
    • Made them $1.09 each
  • 2 packages of Mission Tortillas, retails for $2.79, on sale for $1.99
    • Used two $1 off tearpad coupons
    • Made them .99 cents each
  • 2 Freschetta Pizzas, retails for $7.19, on sale BOGO ($3.59)
    • Used a $1.50/2 coupon from 1/12 SS
    • Made them $2.84 each
  • 2 DiGiorno Shredded Cheeses, retails for $4.99 each, on sale BOGO for $2.50 each
  • 2 boxes of Welchs Fruit Snacks, retails for $2.75 each, on sale for $2.00 each
  • 2 bottles of Bolthouse Farms Juice, retails for $4.49 each, on sale BOGO ($2.24 each)
  • 4 cans of Campbells Homestyle Soup, retails for $2.65 each, on sale BOGO ($1.32 each)
    • Used a $1/3 printable coupon
    • Stacked with a $2/3 Best Meals Happen At Home Publix coupon
    • Made them .57 cents a can
  • 2 Colgate Max Clean Toothpastes, retails for $3.49 each, on sale for $1.99 each
  • 2 Twelve Packs of Diet Coke, retails for $5.49 each, on sale B2G1 free (made them $3.66 each)
    • Used a $2/2 in store Publix coupon
    • Made them $2.99 each
New to couponing? Check out my Couponing Trips & Tips Pinterest board!


25 Perfect Party Dips


Is there anything better than ooey, gooey, yummy party dips? I am a sucker for anything I can spread all over a cracker or chip so these are making me really hungry. Perfect for watching sports, hanging with friends or anytime you need a snack, here are 25 of my favorite party dips!


Hungry for more party foods? Check out my Snack Attack Pinterest board! 




Friday, January 24, 2014

Easy Game Time Pizza Fun With DiGiorno

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of          a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.


I have a confession to make. When it comes to watching the Big Game in our house, the night is definitely more about food and commercials than it is about football. And what goes better with watching sports than eating pizza? Trying to order delivery can take forever when big football games are on so we always like to keep a few DiGiorno Pizzas on hand in the freezer for when we get hungry during game time.



When it comes to having people over to watch sports, I hate being stuck in the kitchen prepping and making food which is why the ease of frozen pizza is perfect for game time. I love DiGiorno pizzas just as they are right out of the oven but for a big football game I thought it would be fun to dress it up a bit.


These fun, football themed pizzas are so easy to make they only took minutes to put together. And all the needed toppings can be chopped and cut ahead of time and be waiting in the fridge for when it's time to eat.


For the Field Goal Pizza, I started with a Four Cheese DiGiorno. I used sliced green peppers for the goal post and made the football out of chopped red peppers with string cheese for laces. Everything went on the pizza (except the string cheese) before it went in the oven so when it came out after 18 quick minutes it was ready to serve.



The "Go Team" Pizza took a little long to prep but it can be done earlier in the day to save you time during the game. I started with a DiGiorno Rising Crust Supreme pizza and baked it according to the instructions on the box. Using small letter cookie cutters, I punched out letters from slices of provalone cheese to spell "Go Team". Once I took the pizza out of the oven, I placed the letters around the crust of the pizza for a cute and fun way to dress up an already delicious looking meal.


You can personalize these for all kinds of sporting events and even for your favorite team. Ready to make your own? You can stop by your local Walmart and grab a few DiGiorno pizzas and take advantage of the current $4.50 Roll Back pricing just in time for the Big Game!




Weekly Shopping Totals: Saved 70% at Publix


I am finally getting back to grocery shopping once a week. Maybe by February I will actually manage to do my shopping on Thursdays again so that I can help you all out with your shopping lists by shopping the first day of the weekly ad.

This week was a pretty basic trip. I stocked up on more snack and lunch/breakfast items, almond milk, and cleaning products. I was really happy to stay under $40 for the week and it has been so nice to have stuff on hand again after a total slacking on my part and no shopping during the holidays.

This week I used my normal two $5/$30 Winn Dixie coupons as well as earned a little cash back from ibotta and Checkout 51. If you aren't using these cash back apps you need to start. It is just an extra way to save more on the products you buy on top of sales, man. coupons and store coupons. Ibotta has currently upped their referral bonus to $5! And all new users get an extra $2 in their account if they redeem their first offer within 10 days of signing up.

Breakdown of Tuesday's Publix trip:
Total retail value: $125.01
Total spent: $37.09
Total saved: $87.92
Percent saved: 70%

Breakdown of what I got with sale/coupon match ups:
  • 3 boxes of Nature Valley Protein Bars, retails for $3.29 each, on sale for $1.99 each
  • 2 boxes of Cascadian Farms Organic Granola Bars, retails for $3.99, on sale for $2.50 each (sale is also going on again this week through Wednesday)
  • 2 bags of Celentano Meatballs, retails for $4.99 each, on sale BOGO ($2.49 each)
  • 4 Fage Greek Yogurts, retails for $1.39 on sale for $1 each
  • 4 bags of Green Giant Veggie Chips, retails for $2.65 each, on sale BOGO ($1.33 each)
    • Used four $1 off Publix Best Meals Happen At Home in store coupons
    • Stacked with two .50/2 printable coupons
    • Made them .08 cents a bag
  • 2 bags of Fresh Express Salad, retails for $4.09 each, on sale BOGO ($2.04 each)
    • Used a $1.50/2 off coupon from the 1/5 SS
    • Made it $1.29 a bag
  • 2 half gallons of Almond Breeze, retails for $3.35, on sale for $2.50
  • 2 bags of Sundried Tomatoes, retails for $2.79 each, on sale BOGO, made them $1.40 each
  • 2  Greek yogurt, retails for $1.25, on sale for $1 each
  • 2 bottles of All Small & Mighty Laundry Detergent, retails for $5.99 each, on sale BOGO ($2.99 each)
    • Used a $3/2 coupon from the 1/5 SS
    • Made them $1.50 each
  • 1 dozen Publix eggs, retails for $2.19
    • Earned .50 cents cash back from Checkout 51
    • Made them $1.69
  • 2 boxes of Finish Quantum Dishwasher Detergent tablets, retails for $11.99 a box, on sale BOGO ($5.99 a box)
    • Used two $2.15 cents off coupons from the 1/5 SS
    • Made them $3.84 a box
  • 3 twelve packs of Sierra Mist, retails for $5.49 each, on sale B2G1 Free (made them $3.66 each)
    • Used a $2/2 Publix Digital Coupon
    • Earned $1 cash back from ibotta
    • Made them $2.66 per twelve pack

Did you get any great grocery deals this week? Comment and let us know what you got!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

25+ Valentine's Day Desserts & Treats


Do you feel it? Love is in the air! We are just 3 short weeks away from Valentine's Day (how is that possible?)!  To get you in the mood here are some amazingly good looking pink, red, and sparkly desserts to help you celebrate with loved ones!


Need more Valentine's Day dessert ideas? Check out my Valentine's Day Love Pinterest board!






Saturday, January 18, 2014

Back On Track For The New Year With Nestle

 I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. 

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How are your New Year's Resolutions coming? One of my goals for the new year was to start leading a more balanced lifestyle between home and school. As someone who gets up before six each morning, out the door by seven, drives thirty minutes to work and then teaches from 8-3 with a less than thirty minute lunch break, I struggle with being disciplined enough to make and pack myself decent meal options for my work day.


This semester I am excited to back on track with healthier options from Nestle. One quick trip to Walmart and I was stocked up for a week of better for me breakfasts, lunches and treats.

I grabbed a mix of Lean Cuisine options including some long time favorites like Mac & Cheese and Sesame Chicken as well as some of their other products like Wrap Additions and Breakfast Sandwiches. I really wanted to try their new Stuffed Pretzels for an afternoon snack but my store was completely sold out of them. I also got some Skinny Cow Devine Candy and a little Sugar Free Coffeemate Creamer.


I love that Lean Cuisine has so many different meal options which are all perfectly portioned (and really delicious!) to help me make better choices in my lunch routine. Since they are easy to throw in my work bag and then pop in the microwave at lunch, I can avoid the school pizza line and skip snacking on junk on days when I was too rushed to make a lunch myself.

And for those afternoons and evenings when I am doing lesson planning, grading or making power points, I can have a little treat without feeling too guilty about it with my Skinny Cow and Sugar Free Coffeemate. 


My Walmart recently had tons of Lean Cuisines on Rollback pricing too just in time for everyone to make good on those resolutions to make better choices towards a more balanced lifestyle. Lean Cuisine is also offering a 10 day "try it" money back guarantee so you can give them a try right now. Check out all the details on Walmart's website!


Friday, January 17, 2014

Weekly Shopping Totals Link Up: Saved 75% at Publix


And, I'm back! I can't believe it has been so long since I grocery shopped. When we went to Publix on Monday it was the first time I had been there for more than one item since mid-December. Our pantry and fridge were looking pretty pathetic. I know it may be hard to believe but we actually only ran out of almond milk, yogurt and eggs last weekend. Between eating with family for the holidays and going out of town three times (one of which was for five days), we really did have everything we needed on hand.

It was really nice to take a break for shopping lists and coupons. We could have stretched it out longer if we wanted to but I was ready to have some of my favorite snacks and treats on hand again. This week's trip was amazing except for the fact that our store was out of almond milk (how is that possible?) and Justin ended up having to run back and grab some the next day. It was nice to stock back up on dairy, eggs, and snack items for our lunches.

We also got our biweekly produce share this week and it was filled with things we use on a regular basis so that has been really nice for meal planning. We are going to attempt to organize our pantry and freezer in the next few weeks so I can get a better grasp on what we need to be shopping for and stocking back up on in 2014. I am also trying to decide if we need to place a Zaycon order for February. We definately haven't eaten our way through our Fall order but it appears that they won't be doing Summer orders this year and I am worried we won't make it until the Fall sale.

This week I used Checkout 51 for the first time. It is a cash back app like ibotta but it seems to match up perfectly with the Publix weekly sales. I earned $1 for Fage yogurt plus an extra $2 for uploading my first receipt over $20 total. They send you a check once you reach $20 in cash back and it seems relatively simple. I combined mine with coupons and if there were ever duplicate offers I don't see why you couldn't use it with ibotta cash back too. Personally, I am happy to earn cash back on things I am already buying especially when it's so easy.

This week had a few freebies and quite a few items under $1. I actually had a $20 gift card from a student so with that and two $5/$30 Winn Dixie coupons I only spent $3 out of pocket this week which makes my post holiday budget very happy : )

Breakdown of Monday's Publix trip:
Total retail value: $96.01
Total spent (not considering gift card): $23.48
Total saved: $72.53
Percent saved: 76%

What I got with sale/coupon match up:
  • 2 packages of Johnson & Johnson Gauze, retails for $1.79 each, on sale for .90 cents each
    • Used two .75 cents off Publix Ad. Flyer coupons
    • Stacked with a $2/2 printable coupon
    • Made them both FREE plus a $1.70 moneymaker
  • 1 bottle of Pure Leaf Sweet Tea, retails for $1.79, on sale for $1
    • Earned $1 cash back from ibotta
    • Made it FREE
  • 2 rolls of Glad Cling Wrap, retails for $1.69 each
    • Used two .75 cents off Publix Ad. Flyer coupons
    • Stacked with two $1 off printable coupons
    • Made them both FREE plus a .12 cents moneymaker
  • 2 packs of Evenflo Baby Bottles (great donation item!), retails for $3.39 each
    • Used two $3 off coupons (not sure if still available)
    • Made them .39 cents per package
  • 2 cans of Starkist Gold Tuna in Olive Oil, retails for $2.19 each, on clearance for .95 cents each
  • 2 boxes of Nature's Valley Granola Bars, retails for $3.29 each, on sale for $1.99 each
  • 4 Lean Cuisine Honestly Good Meals, retails for $4.69 each, on sale BOGO ($2.34 each)
  • 2 bags of Baked Lays, retails for $3.29 each, on sale for $2.50 each
    • Used a $1/2 Publix Ad. Flyer coupon
    • Made them $2 a bag
  • 4 Stoneyfield Organic Yogurts, retails for $1.50 each, on sale for $1 each
    • Used a B2G1 free coupon from the 1/5 SS
    • Made them .75 cents each
  • 3 Dannon Okios Green Yogurts, retails for $$1.20 each, on sale for $1 each
    • Used a B2G1 free coupon from the 1/5 SS
    • Made them .66 cents
  • 1 dozen Publix eggs, $2.19
  • 1 package of Sargento Cheese Sticks, retails for $5.19, on sale for $3.99
    • Used a .50 cents off coupon from the 1/5 SS
    • Made it $3.49
  • 2 Babybel Cheese packs, retails for $3.69 each, on sale for $2.50 each
  • 1 big carton of Fage Greek Yogurt, retails for $6.49
  • 1 bag of Birdseye frozen veggies, retails for $2.69, on sale for $1.35
  • 1 Snapware Glass container, retails for $6.99, on sale for $3.49
    • Used a $2 off coupon from the 1/5 SS
    • Made it $1.49
How did you do this week? Inspire me (and everyone else) with your amazing savings and deals this week. Please link up directly to your specific post. Do not link up to your blog's home page, giveaways, or etsy shops please. You can also "like" Couponing & Cooking on Facebook too! I would love it if you would link back to this post or grab my button from the sidebar : )






Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Red Velvet M&M Valentine's Day Bark

Rich creamy chocolate bark topped with Red Velvet M&M's and an excessive amount of sprinkles. It's almost as over the top as Valentine's Day at a high school. 



Can you believe Valentine's Day is less than a month away? I haven't even fully finished putting my Christmas decorations away yet but already my Pinterest and social media newsfeeds are full of candy hearts and excessive amounts of pink sprinkles. My local stores actually had Valentine's Day Candy out on display as early as January 2nd so true to form, it's time for me to start sharing some limited edition holiday flavored candy treats with you.


Since Justin and I spent the first 5 years of our relationship living in different cities, Valentine's Day was something we always celebrated a little bit early or a little bit late. In fact we spent our first 7 Valentine's Days apart either due to distance or his shift schedule as a firefighter. We had actually been married for over a year before we got to celebrate together on February 14th. So the day always passed with little fan fare for me. Until I started teaching high school.


Do you remember Valentine's Day as a teenager? No? Let me refresh your memory: Huge stuffed animals that get carried from class to class, balloon bouquets, messages written on car windshields, roses left on homeroom desks, massive glittery cards, way too expensive gifts for people who probably don't have jobs, and so much sugar you get physically ill by the time the 2:30 bell rings simply from being around it all day.


There are happy tears, sad tears, why does he love her more than me tears, stories about how sweet it is that he brought me Dunkin Donuts for us to romantically share in the parking lot before school, oohs and aahhs, and death stares. Sound about right?



 It is one of my favorite days of the school year simply because I enjoy watching the romance and the drama unfold.


And while that may sound a little bit over the top, I assure you it is about 97% factual. You know what else is a little bit over the top in the best possible way? This Red Velvet M&M Bark.


This bark is made just like any other traditional bark but I added a little red food coloring to the white chocolate part and then topped it with crushed Red Velvet M&M's and an absurd amount of Valentine's Day sprinkles. It was creamy, crunchy, rich and had the perfect amount of sweetness. I apologize for the picture overload but the color combo was just too cute not to photograph in excess.


Red Velvet M&M Bark
  • 1 pound good melting chocolate ( bars, chips, melts)
  • 1 pound good melting white chocolate
  • Red food coloring
  • 1 cup of crushed Red Velvet M&M's
  • Valentine's Day themed sprinkles
 1.) Using whatever method you prefer, melt your chocolate and pour/spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with a silpat or wax paper.

2.) Let that layer sit while you melt your white chocolate. Once the white chocolate is melted stir inred food  coloring until it reaches your desired shade.

3.) Pour/spread the white chocolate over the regular chocolate layer.

4.) Top with crushed Red Velvet M&M's and sprinkles.

5.) Refrigerate until completely set. Break into bite sized pieces and enjoy.


Want more Valentine's Day treats?




Monday, January 13, 2014

Light & Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta {Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Strips}

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

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So it's January and everyone seems full of promises to start eating well, living better, and making big changes in their lives. As much I would like to say that I completely overhauled our weekly menus with the start of the new year, We have actually decided to make small changes towards eating healthier. This Light & Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta with Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Strips is one of those changes. 


On week nights when we are too busy or tired to cook, it can be so easy for Justin and I to make a big pot of pasta with lots of cheese and butter. Yummy, yes, but not the best choice or the most filling dinner option. We usually end up hungry an hour later and looking for something to snack on. This pasta is a way better for you version of the flavors we usually like and by adding Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken, it has the protein we need to keep us full. 


This dish is light, flavorful, satisfying and easy. All things I need in my life on weeknights in January. The sauce has tons of flavor without being filled with butter, cream or cheese. The sprinkle of shaved Parmesan on top still gives it the rich taste I crave but lets me control how much I add. It was so good we may or may not have eaten for lunch and then had some more for dinner. 


What I love about the Grilled & Ready line is that it comes in a refrigerated version so that all I have to do is make my dish and then open a bag from the fridge and stir it into my pasta. I love that I didn't have to defrost anything or bake anything. And after my first stress and rain filled week back to school, those were a few steps I didn't have the time or energy for. 


I purchased the smaller sized bags of Grilled & Ready chicken since there is just two of us eating dinner each night but right now Walmart has the bigger bags on sale for $5.87. It would be perfect for feeding bigger families or to just have on hand for anytime you want to add a little handful of chicken to a meal.


Tyson will be hosting in store demos for the Grilled & Ready line happening January 16th-19th at over 1,000 participating Walmart stores nationwide. Also, be sure to check out the "Just Add This" tab on the Grilled & Ready Facebook page, where they will be giving out weekly prizes, now through March 2014.


Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 20 grape tomatoes (I used about half a package)
  • 1 clove of garlic finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 4 fresh basil leaves finely chopped
  • 2 cups of cooked pasta
  • 1 bag of Tyson Grilled & Ready chicken
  • Shaved Parmesan cheese for topping
1.) In a saucepan, heat the oil and saute the garlic and onion until the onion becomes translucent.

2.) Add the tomatoes (whole)  and salt and pepper to taste and saute for 10 minutes or until they start to soften. 

3.) Add the white balsamic vinegar, let it reduce for a few minutes and then add in the chicken broth and the Tyson refrigerated chicken. Simmer on low for 5 minutes. 

4.) Add in the cooked pasta and toss to evenly coat. Serve warm topped with shaved Parmesan. 

Enjoy!

Want more inspiration for healthier meals with Tyson's Grilled & Ready line? Check out the Just Add This Pinterest Board!

Follow cbSocially's board Just Add This on Pinterest.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Top 13 Most Viewed Recipes of 2013

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So I know that I am a little bit late on the Top Recipes of 2013 train but I couldn't not share my top viewed recipes with you! I have been on a bit of a blogging break over the holidays and as much as I missed it, it was so nice to step away from the computer/ipad/iphone and relax. We had an amazing Christmas and New Years break and I will be sharing some of what we did later this week in a Peak In{stagram} My Life post.

New recipes and posts are on their way but for now, sit back, relax and enjoy a little trip down memory lane with my Top 13 Most Viewed Recipes of 2013:
















What was your favorite Couponing & Cooking recipe of 2013?


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