Category: Family Life

Thrifty Momma Ramblings is Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2012 Family Life, Holidays, Thanksgiving

I wanted to wish you and your family a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Thrifty Momma Ramblings!

Today is a day to count your blessing and be thankful for all the wonderful things you do have and not dwell on what you don’t have.

I am thankful for my beautiful son and wonderful husband, my family, all my friends, and even you my readers! I wouldn’t have much of a blog if no one came to read it.

I am extremely grateful for my house and ability to host a wonderful Thanksgiving feast while so many do not or cannot.

I am also thankful for my good health and ability to work from home. I am thankful for the opportunity to return to college full-time to finish my Bachelor Degree!

I am thankful for all the great deals and coupons and freebies that allows me to bless others that need it more than I do.

Take this day to reflect on your blessings and enjoy the day! Try not to overdo the eating though easier said than done!

McCormick Gravy Mix is My Family Holiday Tradition & Giveaway!

November 17, 2012 Cooking, Family Life, Giveaways, Holidays

I grew up watching my Mom cook using McCormick spices, seasonings, and gravy mixes. I have very fond memories of helping her cook our Thanksgiving dinner each year. We would wake up early to start prepping the turkey which took a better part of the day. I always knew that our dinner was almost ready when I saw her making the delicious gravy.

As an adult, I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to replicate her delicious gravy. It was always so perfect in color and never had any lumps. She assured me as long as I was using McCormick Turkey Gravy mix then the gravy would be perfect! She was right.

How she got the gravy so perfect was that she learned to add her own flair. She would take the drippings from the turkey and added in the mix along with some spices and a bit of water. Now I cook the big Thanksgiving Dinner each year, and I still continue to use her recipe. I never have to worry about lumpy gravy. I get lots of compliments on my gravy from my husband’s family.

What I really like about McCormick Gravy mix is that it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors, no MSG, and has 0 grams of fat! It only contains natural spices and seasonings which helps it to taste so savory. You can visit the McCormick Website to learn more ways to add your own flair to their gravy mix. You could add sage, poultry seasoning, or even thyme to further enhance the flavors. You will also find lots of great recipes and tips to help you make your Thanksgiving meal even more spectacular!

McCormick has generously sponsored a $75 Gift Pack to one lucky reader!

  • Le Creuset Gravy Boat and Ladle
  • $50 Crate and Barrel Gift Card

The Giveaway will end on 11/23 at 11:59PM EST! Open to age 18+ but only to residents of the USA.

Just enter on the Rafflecopter below and Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is the perfect way to showcase your Turkey Gravy!

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and McCormick partnered in support of this campaign. McCormick compensated me for participation in this campaign. However all thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. Thrifty Momma Ramblings is not responsible for prize fulfillment and will come from McCormick!

Check Out The Family Dollar Toy Book 2012!

November 3, 2012 Christmas, Family Dollar, Family Life, shopping sales

Have you seen the Family Dollar Toy Book for 2012 yet?

They have hundreds of toys $10 and under! I found lots of toys for $5 and under!

They have great brands like Fisher Price, Lalaloopsy, Disney, Action Figures, Transformers, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and so much more!

The toy book has 24 pages of great deals and the prices are good until December 24, 2012!

You can view the whole toy book online or click on the PDF file to see it.

FREE 8×10 Family Portrait at JCPenney Portrait Studios all November!

November 3, 2012 Christmas, Family Life, Freebies, Holidays

All month long in November you can get a FREE 8×10 Family Portrait at JCPenney Portrait Studios!

I would book an appointment now because spots are filling up very quickly!

One offer per family per month.

Free traditional 8×10 and free digital image are of the same pose.

No purchase necessary and no sitting fees.

This is a great freebie as you can use this to make your own Christmas cards.

Just scan it on your computer and then upload to an online photo editing site like Snapfish and much more affordable than using a studio.

Keep Your Home Safe From Pests!

October 30, 2012 Family Life

pests

I have to admit that I am really squeamish when it comes to bugs. Even worse is when pests invade my home especially those huge tree cockroaches that we get in the hot summer months. Since I own an older home, then they seem to find it easier to make it into my home. I have a huge coffee table book that I had bought at a yard sale for $0.50 cents that is extremely heavy. I have made it my roach killing book. I take plastic grocery bags and tie them around the book so the book isn’t full of roach guts. I drop the book on them which instantly kills them. After my husband gets home and sees the book on the floor, then he knows he has a roach to dispose of for me. I admit it seems a little silly, but it works great for me as I hate to get near them. I am not talking about a small one either, but the ones than are at least 6″ long! YUCK!

PestWorld.org is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about bugs, rodents and other household pests. You can identify your infestation, find helpful prevention tips, pest photography and videos, educational articles on a variety of pest topics, and more.

In the fall, pests often enter our homes seeking shelter from colder weather, so it’s important to take steps to pest-proof your home. Pest issues are better handled by licensed pest professionals. They have the knowledge, training and tools to properly identify a pest species and recommend ways to safely remedy an infestation before it becomes a serious problem.

You can find a pest professional in your area by entering your zip code in the Find a Pro database on PestWorld.org: http://www.pestworld.org/find-a-pest-control-professional/.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the National Pest Management Association. The opinions and text are all mine.

10 Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Your Trick or Treaters Safe!

October 23, 2012 Family Life, Halloween, Holidays

halloween-tips

I compiled a list of Halloween safety tips to keep your little ones safe while out Trick or Treating!

To kids Halloween means a night of fun dressing up and getting lots of FREE CANDY! With so many kids out on the streets, parents want to keep them as safe as possible.

There are lots of great Halloween Safety Tips, but I wanted to list the top 10 that I feel are the most important to go over with your kids before Halloween gets here!

These are not in any particular order.

Trick or Treat: 10 Halloween Safety Tips

1) Buy flame resistant costumes. Ensure they fit well so they are not tripping. You will also want to check their shoes so they won’t trip.

2) Opt for Face Paint instead of masks. Halloween masks can get in the way of them seeing well especially at night. Make sure the paint is non-toxic and test a patch before applying as some kids can have an allergic reaction to the paint.

3) Add reflective tape to their costumes. The costumes will be more visible especially in the dark.

4) Have your kids walk in groups. It’s always a great idea for the kids to walk in groups for added safety.

5) Have older kids carry a cell phone if an adult is not present.

6) Go to neighborhoods you know. Also, stress to your kids the importance of not going into a stranger’s home for candy.

7)  Use sidewalks when available. Make sure they also look both ways before crossing a street.

8) Use a flashlight or glow stick. Also they could wear those glow in the dark necklaces.

9) Don’t go to houses that aren’t well lit or dark. If the house is dark (porch lights off) then it means they are not handing out candy.

10) Check all candy before eating. Warn your kids not to take or eat any unwrapped treats from strangers.

Afterwards I always limit my son on eating too much candy especially as it’s on a school night. Also make sure to remove all and any face paint so it doesn’t irritate their skin.

I am very fortunate that the neighborhood we go to close down main roads which makes it much safer. The majority of the house owners sit outside handing out candy which makes it easy to watch your kids. Also, stress to your little one(s) to be polite. I know it should go without saying but so many kids do not say thank you after getting candy. My son gets lots of compliments from the house owners on how polite he is. I understand kids get excited and want to get to the next house quickly, but they really do appreciate it. 🙂

Some of these are common sense, but I think it’s a great idea to review with your little ones some of the rules before they go out. I hope you enjoy and the kids have a fun and safe Halloween!

Do you have some great Halloween safety tips to share? Then leave me a comment as I love to read your thoughts and tips.

I have a great website you can visit for fun Halloween coloring and activity pages you can print out!