$5 cat printing today @ Dominicks

So I stopped at Dominick's today because I had some CPK $1 off tearpad coupons that I'd gotten at Mariano's.  I wanted to use them because even though the $5 cat was supposed to not start till tomorrow, the 30% off frozen food was only today.  So I bought:

3 BBQ chicken CPK pizzas used (2) $1 coupons + Ad Q (making them $4.49 each) = $6.07
1 bag frozen peas $2.29 = 1.60
2 open nature sour creams 50% off $2.59 = 2 for $2.58
2 grands 2/5 GM .30/2 + Ad Q = $1.68

I used the 30% off coupon on frozen foods coupon too.  Total was $12.25...and I just realized that one of the CPK coupons didn't scan.  So I called and they'll give me a dollar back next time.  So total should have been $11.25.  I got the $2 cat for buying 3 CPK pizzas and the $5 frozen food cat too.  It is working today!!

Scarecrow Returns By Matthew Reilly

Following the theme of things we both love, I have to share one of our favorite authors.  We both enjoy thrillers and especially those written by Matthew Reilly.  We also love the Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child series.  My sister introduced both to me.

Scarecrow Returns is his newest book.  I got to read it first.  :)  So, I can't post too many spoilers or else I'll ruin it for Al.  Although, with the thriller genre it's hard to know what will happen exactly, but usually the main character survives.  Reilly's books are always enjoyable because he is capable of killing off characters good and evil without the story turning sour.  He knows exactly what his audience wants and delivers it to us each time. The secondary cast does not always survive, but each death is portrayed well and with reason.  

Scarecrow is the call sign of Shane M. Schofield a US Marine.  He has been stationed in the arctic after dealing with yet another saving the world mission only this time he suffered more psychologically.  He is on active duty but sent to help test weapons in the arctic with some civilian scientists and a few other marines.  Luckily, Mother one of his friends and regular team members goes with him.  

The weapons testing allows for some great new weapons for our characters to fight with, of course my favorite is Bertie an automated robot.  He has a machine gun attachment as well as first aid and rations.  He certainly brought more heart to the story.  

This time our marines must penetrate a well-designed island fortress.  Dragon Island was built by the Russians during the Cold War and as such is filled with all sorts of nasty weapons.  They used it as a testing and development and it holds a device that can light the atmosphere on fire.  Our heroes have only a few hours from stopping an anarchist army from detonating a this weapon.  Only this time, Scarecrow has less marines, fewer weapons at his disposal and an extremely limited amount of time and options.  I almost forgot to mention, he has also has a price on his head via the French government.  Another reason he is in the arctic was to escape assassins.  

Reilly includes easy to understand diagrams of each location.  We get maps of each new phase and situation.  Not to mention he provides great detail about the weaponry available to both sides, which I appreciate since my knowledge of weapons is almost non-existent.  Reilly always uses each element that he provides to his characters.  Each weapon and part of that weapon is utilized and each option is considered and generally our characters end up falling back on their back-up to the back-up plan.  

As Scarecrow says, he will always protect each member of his team no matter who they are as long as there is life in his body.  Reilly knows exactly how to keep the action and how to keep raising the stakes.  The plot twists in this novel added a delightfully gripping twist.  

Certainly, thrillers are not for everyone.  Reilly in particular is capable of portraying violence, but there is always a sense of justice in his heroes.  They know where to draw the line and how to deal with those that do not.  There were some particularly gruesome scenes, but I don't want to give anything away.  Spoiling a thriller really takes the entertainment out of it. 

I recommend this to anyone that loves thrillers and likes to read stories where a hero attempts to save the world against insurmountable odds.  You'll never know what can happen next.  Reilly is always able to pull off the unthinkable, half of the fun is trying to figure out how the characters will get out of each problem.  The circumstances may be a bit exaggerated, but the action is still always plausible and technically possible in the real world.  The ending was extremely satisfactory as usual from a Matthew Reilly novel.  

The Xtension Chords

I'll be honest with you.  My sister and I get along with each other most of the time, but our tastes are vastly different.  Not exactly surprising since she's older than me.  We grew up with different influences, but one thing we can agree on is good music.  We love to sing along in the car with the radio.  We enjoy watching Glee.  We have a mutual appreciation for acoustic and A Cappella.

One group we love are the Xtension Chords.  They're an all male A Cappella group from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  I had to share them with her.  She was hesitant as usual; she never knows what I'm going to show her.  Granted she never went to any of their performances like I did, but there a quite a few videos of them up on YouTube.  So, she is able to watch them and grow to love them as much as I do.  They are not just talented singers, but quite funny.  Their performances go the extra mile so you will end up with a smile on your face.    

We found ourselves watching them the other night.  I ran into the room hauling my computer and had to share this video with her:

If you skip to 8:00, then you can hear our newest favorite song.  :)  They sing "Country Girl Shake it For Me".  It's not just good singing but delightful dancing as well.  I chose this version because it was the one with the dancing included.  They also sing "Just the Girl", and "Open Arms" in this video.  

This is their entire set for the ICCA competition.  They took second place at their quarterfinal.  For good reason, as you can see from the video above.  They took first place at their quarterfinal last year.  

We were trying to find a video of the group that beat them this year, but we couldn't.  Highly disappointing as we wondered who could be better than them.  ;) 

If you like what you see, then you can find more videos posted on YouTube.  I highly recommend  you watch "What We're Thinking While We're Singing", although you may have trouble hearing some of them as the audience's laughter is loud.  There are many of those and they are guaranteed to make you chuckle heartily.  

I hope that you enjoy them as much as we do.  (Even my Mom likes them and she doesn't really like to hear music because it's too "loud").  You can search for their music on iTunes or visit their website: xtensionchords.com  Even though the members will continue to change the quality of their performances stay the same.  

Death's Crooked Shadow By Gordon N. McIntosh

Not your typical murder mystery.  This is a mystery that bears more complexity than most.  The plot is centered on uncovering the details of a found body which alters the course of Danny Delaney’s life.

Even in fiction, most characters don’t have to deal with their parent’s actions.  I was drawn in by the unconventional plot.  I found it relaxing to read a novel that isn’t completely filled with outrageous drama.  If I’m honest, most mysteries are filled with it.  Most suspects presented are filled with hatred and an unhealthy mental state, but not every crime committed is one deranged person wanting only to harm other people.  

This does not follow that path and we get a better narrative because of it.  The crime and investigation are logical.  The circumstances are completely believable which always results in a better story. 

McIntosh provides us with real world details that create an entirely plausible mystery.  His characters are truly human.  Our lead character doesn’t just go off to solve a murder leaving everything else in his life behind.  He is still a parent and our other characters are equally grounded.  It’s refreshing to be presented with characters that proceed as I or anyone else would. 

When you compact the story, Danny Delaney just wants to know what happened to his father.  His body has turned up in unusual circumstances.  He decides to solve the mystery so he can understand how his father died and the events that led to it.  In the end, the outcome will not leave the reader in a state of unease or unsatisfied.  Obviously, the mystery is bound to be solved as it's the main plot but this one left me feeling less jaded. 

Political corruption does exist in the world and Chicago is a prime example.  Around here, people say that the dead still come out to vote.  Only this was a good reminder that not every person involved in politics is corrupt or out to make money. 

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a more subtle and sophisticated mystery.

Author's Bio: Gordon N. McIntosh began writing mysteries and thrillers after a master's degree from the University of Chicago and a successful real estate career. After an early retirement he and his wife traveled and lived extensively in Mexico, South America, Australia and Europe. Now they split their time between their homes in Chicago and Key West, Florida. When he's not writing, he enjoys running, scuba diving, tennis, and world travel. This is his second mystery/thriller novel.

For more information visit: gordonmcintosh.com or deathscrookedshadow.com

All opinions and thoughts are my own.  I received this copy from the author from review.  Other than that I was not compensated for this review.

Restaurant.com 80% off thru 2/28

Through 2/28 use the code MEMORIES to get a $25 Restaurant.com for $2.

Win 6 months of free groceries from SavingStar

SavingStar is once again giving away 6 months of free groceries. Sign up here to win through 3/12/12. 

Remember to add your Mariano's, Jewel and CVS cards to SavingStar to save even more while at the grocery store.  :)

Coupons.com Free Membership for 1 Year

Coupons.com is giving away 150,000 free savings club memberships for a year.  This would be a great way to try out this new service.  Myself I've been dying to try it...and this pushed me into it.  So click the link above to sign up.  And hurry there are only 150,000 memberships available.

Zevia and Rendezvous Rock Giveaway Winners!!

We have two winners to announce tonight on Rosie Discovers!!

 

Crystal, you've won a free 6 pack coupon for Zevia.  Be on the look out for an email from rosiedickens@hotmail.com.

 Bonnie, you are the winner of a copy of Rendezvous Rock!!  Be on the lookout for an email from rosiedickens@hotmail.com.  

Congrats!!

Dutch Apple Pie Bars

I found this gorgeous looking apple crumble bar recipe on pinterest.  But when I made it, the crust was wrong and there was too much butter in it.  So I tinkered with it swapping out the crust for one from another bar.  Cut out a third of the butter in the recipe.  The bars now have a crispy crust and a lot less of it.  They also stay crisp after cooling.  Definite improvement.

Dutch Apple Pie Bars

Crust
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces & chilled
1 tablespoon whole milk

Filling
5-6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and coarsely diced
5 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup apricot fruit preserves

Topping
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line an 8 inch square pan with a foil sling.  Spray foil.
2. Crust: Process flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in food processor until just combined.  Add butter and milk and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal (about 10 pulses).  Transfer mixture to pan and press into an even layer.  Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 16-20 minutes.  Place on rack to cool.  Spread preserves evenly over crust while still warm.
3. Filling: In a large skillet, combine the apples, sugar and cinnamon.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until apples are tender, but still firm.  In a small cup, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice.  Add to apple mixture and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until juices are thickened.  Removed from heat and let cool a few minutes.  Top preserve covered crust with apple mixture.  Spreading evenly over top.  
4. Topping:  Process all ingredients in the food processor until all ingredients are coarsely mixed.  Sprinkle over the apple layer.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. 

Source: Adapted from Annie's Eats and Cooks Country June/July 2011.

These bars are just delicious.  They taste just like a dutch apple pie.  But much easier to make and a smaller amount too.  :)

Mariano's Fresh Market Match-ups Feb.23 - March 7, 2012

Here are the best deals February 23 - March 7, 2012

Double Daze

Every Wednesday you can save 100% more on manufacturers’ coupons.  The manufacturer gives you a deal, and we double it.  Redeem up to 5 manufacturers' coupons worth up to $1 each and spend a minimum $25 in a single transaction, and we make those 5 coupons worth $10. That’s 100% more savings.

Mariano's Fresh Market Coupon Policy

Best Deals

·         Kashi Cookies or Crackers 6-9 oz. $2.49  Print $2 on recyclebank (must spend points)

o   Final Price $.49

·         Kashi Granola or Cereal Bars 6.7-8.4 oz. $2.79 Print $2 on recyclebank (must spend points)

o   Final Price $.79

·         Kashi Cereal 7.5-17.5 oz. $2.79 Print $2 on recyclebank (must spend points)

o   Final Price $.79

·         Kellogg’s Cereal 8.56-23 oz. $2.79 Print various coupons here Print $.70 on Krave here Print $1 on Krave savings club here 2/19 RP

o   Final Price as low as $.79 during Double Daze

·         Silk PureAlmond 64 oz. $2.49 Print $1 off here, Print $.75 off here

o   Final Price as low as $.49 during Double Daze

Produce

·         Asparagus green or white $1.68 lb

·         Strawberries 2 lb $3.88 – makes it $1.94 per lb

·         Red Bell Peppers $.99 lb

·         Organic Red Bell Peppers $1.49 lb

·         Cucumbers 2/$.88

·         Large Navel Oranges 2/$1

·         Florida Red or Texas Rio Red Grapefruit $.69

·         Portabella Mushrooms $1.99 lb

·         Roma Tomatoes $.69 lb

·         Opal Apples $.99 lb

·         Organicgirl salads 5 oz. $2.99 Print $1 here expires 2/29

o   Final price $1.99

·         Eggplant $.79 lb

·         Roundy’s Fresh Squeezed Veggie Juices 1 pint 2/$3

·         Del Monte Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple $2.88 lb

·         Red or Green Leaf Lettuce $.99 lb

Meat

·         Mariano’s Own Fresh Store Made Italian Sausage $2.99 lb

·         Fresh Marinated Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $2.99 lb

·         Fresh Certified 85% Lean Ground Round in 3 lb packages $2.99 lb

·         USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Boneless Top Round Roast or Steak $3.99 lb

·         Fresh Pork Shoulder Butt Steak or Roast $1.99 lb

·         Fresh Live Cherrystone Clams 3/$1.98

Deli

·         Green Ridge Farm Caminito Roasted Ham $4.99 lb

·         Sara Lee Honey Turkey $5.99 lb

·         Sliced Pepperoni $3.99 lb

·         Dietz and Watson Black Angus Roast Beef $7.99 lb

·         Stella Sandwich Swiss Cheese $4.99 lb Print $.30 here

·         Sweet and Sour Slaw $1.99 lb

·         Grilled Italian Chicken Breast $1.99 each

Bakery

·         Super Pretzel $.99 each

·         Parisian All Butter Petite Croissants 10 ct $3.25

Cheese

·         Sartori Reserve Cheeses 5.3 oz. $3.99

·         Crave Brothers Fresh Mozzarella 8 oz. $2.99

Roundy’s

·         Roundy’s Pasta 16 oz. $.89

·         Roundy’s Shredded Cheese 5-8 oz. $1.99

·         Roundy’s Ricotta Cheese 15 oz. $1.99

·         Roundy’s Mozzarella Ball 16 oz. $2.99

Natural & Organic

·         Honest Tea 16.9 oz. 4/$5

·         Talenti Gelato 16 oz. $2.99

·         Kashi Cookies or Crackers 6-9 oz. $2.49  Print $2 on recyclebank (must spend points)

o   Final Price $.49

·         Kashi Granola or Cereal Bars 6.7-8.4 oz. $2.79 Print $2 on recyclebank (must spend points)

o   Final Price $.79

·         Kashi Cereal 7.5-17.5 oz. $2.79 Print $2 on recyclebank (must spend points)

o   Final Price $.79

Grocery

·         Kellogg’s Cereal 8.56-23 oz. $2.79 Print various coupons here Print $.70 on Krave here Print $1 on Krave savings club here 2/19 RP

o   Final Price as low as $.79 during Double Daze

·         Eggo Syrup 8.56-23 oz. $2.79

·         Mott’s Juice 64 oz. $1.99

·         Kellogg’s Cookies or Crackers 4-16 oz. $2.69 1/1 RP

o   Final Price as low as $1.69 each wyb 2 during Double Daze

·         Keebler Cookies or Crackers 4-16 oz. $2.69 1/29 RP, 2/19 RP Signup to print various coupons here

o   Final Price as low as $1.59 during Double Daze

·         Red Gold Tomatoes 28 oz. $.79 Print coupons here

o   Final price as low as $.37 for 3 cans during Double Daze

·         Doritos 8.5-11.5 oz. $1.98 limit 2 2/26 Pepsico

o   Final Price as low as $2.46 wyb 2 during Double Daze

·         Ruffles 8.5-11.5 oz. $1.98 limit 2 2/26 Pepsico

o   Final Price as low as $.88 during Double Daze

·         Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips 8.5-11.5 oz. $1.98 limit 2 2/26 Pepsico

o   Final Price as low as $2.46 wyb 2 during Double Daze

·         Knorr Pasta or Rice 3.8-6.4 oz. $.89 1/29 RP exp. 2/26

o   Final Price $.64 each

·         Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent 100 oz. $11.99 1/29 PG exp. 2/29, $2 mailed coupon

o   Final Price $9.99

Dairy

·         Chobani Greek Yogurt 6 oz. $.89 Print $.30 here

o   Final Price $.59

·         Oberweis Milk 64 oz. $2.49

·         Bay’s English Muffins 6 ct. $1.89

·         Simply Juice or Minute Maid Pure Juice 59 oz. $2.59

·         Silk PureAlmond 64 oz. $2.49 Print $1 off here, Print $.75 off here

o   Final Price as low as $.49 during Double Daze

·         Weyauwega Cheese Curds 12 oz. $2.99

·         Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter 8 oz. $2.69

·         Duffy’s Crumpets 8 oz. $1.99

·         Lifeway Low Fat Kefir Cultured Milk 32 oz. $2.99 Print $1/2 here

o   Final Price as low as $1.49 wyb 2 during Double Daze

·         Parkers Farm Peanut Butter 16 oz. $3.99

·         Buitoni Pasta 9-15 oz. $2.49

·         Tofutti Sour Supreme 12 oz. $1.99

·         Lia Marie Garlic Spread 12-14 oz. $2.99 Print $1 here use zip 78715

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

·         Eggland’s Best Extra Large Eggs 1 doz. $1.99 10/2/11 SS, 1/15 SS, 1/29 SS

o   Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Frozen

·         Lean Cuisine Meals 5-12 oz. $1.99 1/1 SS

o   Final Price as low as $1.59 wyb 5 during Double Daze

·         Jack’s Naturally Rising Pizza 16-30.5 oz. $2.98 1/29 RP

o   Final Price as low as $1.98 wyb 2 during Double Daze

·         Palermo’s Primo Thin Crust or Breakfast Pizza 18.45-31.6 oz. $4.99 Print $1 off here

o   Final Price as low as $2.99 during Double Daze

·         Marie Callender’s Meals 10-21 oz. $2.15 Print $1 off here (if multi-serve bakes are included)

o   Final Price as low as $.15 during Double Daze

·         McCain Potatoes 16-30 oz. $1.99 Print $1 off here, $1 SavingStar here exp 2/29

o   Final Price $.99

·         Kashi Entrees or Waffles 9-10.08 oz. $2.99 Print $2 here on Recyclebank must spend points

o   Final Price $.99

·         Birds Eye Steamfresh Selects 10-16 oz. $.99 Print $1/3 here

o   Final price as low as $.97 for 3 during Double Daze

·         Kashi Pizza 11.9-12.7 oz. $4.29 Print $2 on Recyclebank must spend points

o   Final Price $2.29

·         Roundy’s Organics Homestyle Waffles 6 ct. $1.29

·         Weight Watcher’s Ice Cream Novelties 6-12 ct. $3.29 Print $1 here

o   Final Price as low as $1.29 during Double Daze

·         Graeter’s Ice Cream 16 oz. $3.49

·         Roundy’s Ice Cream 48 oz. $2.99

Misc.

·         Nature’s Bounty selected varieties B1G1 1/22 RP, 2/5 RP, 2/12 RP Print various coupons here

·         Mega Red Omega 3 Krill Oil 60 ct. B1G1 2/5 SS, Print $1 off here

·         Bayer Aspirin 40-120 ct. $3.98 limit 1 12/11 SS, 1/1 SS, 1/29 SS

o   Final Price as low as $1.98

·         Dimetapp, Robitussin Cough & Cold, Children’s Advil 4 oz or 20-24 ct. $4.99 1/1 RP, 1/29 RP, 2/19 RP, Print $1.25 on Savings Club here, Print various coupons here

o   Final price as low as $2.99 during Double Daze

·         Poise Pads 27-72 ct. $10.98 limit 1 2/12 SS, Print $2 off here

o   Final Price $8.98

·         Ensure Regular or Muscle Health 4-6 ct. $6.99 1/8 SS, 1/29 SS, 2/26 SS

o   Final Price as low as $4.99

·         Colgate Premium Total Advanced Toothpaste 4 oz. 2/$5 2/12 SS exp 3/3     

o   Final Price $1 during Double Daze

·         Listerine 500 ml $2.78 limit 1Print $1 off here

o   Final Price as low as $.78 during Double Daze

·         Dove Bar Soap 6 pk. $5.98 limit 1 1/29 RP exp 2/26

o   Final Price $4.98

·         Dove Body Wash 24 oz. $5.98 limit 1 1/29 RP exp 2/26

o   Final Price $4.98

·         Jergens Skincare Products 21 oz. $4.98 limit 1 1/15 SS exp 3/3, 2/5 SS exp 2/26, Print $1 here

o   Final Price $2.98

·         Right Guard Total Defense 5 2-4 oz. 2/$5 Print $3/2 here

o   Final Price $1 each

·         Dial 8 pk. Bar Soap, 13.5-18 oz. Body Wash or 32-52 oz. Refill Soap $3.99 Print various $1 off here

o   Final Price as low as $1.99 during Double Daze