Tag: Family Life

Thrifty Momma Ramblings is Wishing You a Happy 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!

My Homemade Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce Recipe!

My Cranberry Sauce Recipe
I began making my cranberry sauce from scratch about three years ago. I decided to make a sauce that tastes better than the one from a can. I won’t say this is cheaper, but I can buy a bag for $1.50 on sale. This recipe makes more than enough to feed my entire family including second helpings!

Making your own cranberry sauce is so easy. Anyone can make this and make your family think you slaved all day over it. I like to make it a day or two ahead of time and keep it in the fridge to chill. I take it out a couple of hours before serving so it’s not too cold. My husband who refused to eat cranberry sauce loves this cranberry sauce recipe! He always thought he hated cranberry sauce, but it turns out he just dislikes the canned stuff!

What you will need:
1 bag of Cranberries like Oceanspray
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tsp Cinnamon

Cranberry Sauce Recipe Directions:
I open the bag and pour into a colander. Rinse them really well and pick out the bad ones.

I put them into a heavy saucepan like my Magnalite. I add about 1/4 cup orange juice and a 1 tsp of cinnamon.

Then I allow it cook over a medium heat for about 15 minutes. Yes the cranberries will pop but it’s fine.

I keep stirring it and mashing it a bit while it’s cooking. Then remove from heat when it’s thick and cooked down.

I allow it to cool off and pour into a bowl. If you have a fun mold you could pour it into a ring mold to make it even more festive!

I don’t have one so I just pour it into a Tupperware bowl that won’t stain. Then I put it in the fridge to chill overnight.

That’s it! Super easy and fast and extremely tasty!

McCormick Gravy Mix is My Family Holiday Tradition & Giveaway!

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!

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!

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.