Monday, November 30, 2009

Knott's Berry Farm FREE Admission with Toys for Tots Donation Dec. 5 -20, 2009


Help put a smile on a deserving child's face this holiday season, plus get free admission.  Admission will be FREE when a toy, valued at $15 or more, is purchased at a Knott's Berry Farm merchandise location.  Proof of purchase required. 

Guests wishing to bring a pre-purchased toy (purchased elsewhere) to donate, valued at $15 or more, will receivecoupon for $15 admission into Knott's.

Want to avoid the lines?  Donate a toy online!  

Click here to buy a $15 toy for Toys For Tots 

and a receive one  e-ticket 

valid for admission to Knott's Dec. 5 - 20, 2009.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Black Friday Shopping Tips



Black Friday Shopping Tips

If you're one of the brave ones willing to shop on Black Friday, here are some survival tips.

1. Check online for coupons.Remember to take along copies of the ads for stores you plan on shopping at.
Plan which department in each store you will shop first.

2. Set the alarm and be prepared to stand in line at 4 or 5 AM.

3. Wear your most comfortable pair of shoes.

4. Carry a large tote or bag with a bottle of water and something to snack on.
Remember to take along some tissues-you never know!

5. If possible, get some friends together.
Form a shopping team and have each person shop at a different store for the team members. This will insure that you get most of your items before they sell out.

6. Call ahead to the stores, and ask to speak to a manager.
Ask the manager to tell you how many items of what you want are instock.
One year I stood in line at Kohls for 2 hours and was the third person in line.
They only had 2 video cameras per store to sell. Lesson learned-the hard way!

7. Go over your list the night before you ship and again the next morning.
How much money can you spend? Is there anything that you can do without - or that may be even cheaper right before Christmas?

8. Do not keep your purchases in your car where they can be seen.
Lock them in the trunk."Tis the season" for bad things, too.

9. Don't be upset if something is sold out. Ask if there will be more available later.
Some stores will restock items after 1 PM.
I learned this last year after standing in line for $7 video games. Hmmm,,,by the time I got to the counter-ALL GONE!
The store clerk told me to come back after 1 PM and there would be more available.
I asked at another store, yes, more available in the afternoon.If you totally miss out on a deal, tell yourself that it just wasn't meant to be.Maybe this is a sign that lower prices are ahead.

10. Have fun, be safe, do not shop alone, and remember to make every dollar count.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Quick and Easy Fudge Recipes


My kids love to make fudge using these recipes. You can use any flavor of frosting and add nuts, candy canes, sprinkles, coconut, or whatever you want. I love to make big batches and put them in tins or jars for gifts.

Oreo Cookie Fudge
1 (12 oz.) pkg. vanilla chips
1 can cookies and cream frosting
10 oreos, cut in quarters
3 oreos, crushed
Line an 8 inch square pan with foil. Melt chips over low heat. Remove from heat.
Add frosting. Stir in quartered oreos, and mix until well coated.
Quickly spread into pan. Sprinkle with crushed cookies.
Refrigerate 1 hour until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Quick Chocolate Fudge
1 (12oz) pkg (2 cups) semi-sweet
cchocolate chips
1 can Chocolate Fudge Creamy Supreme Frosting
1-1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
3/4 cup chopped mixed nuts
Line an 8" square pan with foil, extending foil over edges, and lightly butter the foil.
Melt chips in large saucepan over very low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in frosting. Add marshmallows and nuts, mix until well coated. Spread in buttered pan, and chill until firm (about 1 hour). Remove from pan by pulling up foil,and  cut into squares. Yummy fudge!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe



This pot pie recipe is a family favorite. I love the easy preparation and the flavor is wonderful!

Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

  • 1 can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • 1 8 oz. pkg. of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 1 cup of cooked chicken, in bite size pieces
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Baking mix, such as Bisquick
Preheat oven to 400*. In a 9" greased pie plate, mix soup, veggies and meat. In a bowl, combine Baking mix, eggs and milk. Pour over chicken and vegeables. Bake for 30 minutes in a 400 degree oven. The crust should be a nice golden brown. Allow pot pie to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6.