Easy Peasy Cake Mix Cookies

 I wanted to surpise the boys with a special treat after school on Friday. Normally this would have been their Valentine's party but with Covid they were not allowed to do Valentine's exchanges at school and no treats for a party. They had a wonderful day anyways with virtual Valentine's exchanges and some special activities and then came home to a delightful treat! 

There are a ton of cake mix cookie recipes out there and for my first attempt I have to say I was impressed at how quick and easy they were, not to mention economical since I had previously grabbed the cake mix on sale for just 99cents. Can't wait to try some more variations!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oil

2 eggs

1 box of cake mix 

Do not follow the directions on the box. Instead mix dry cake
mix with 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup of oil in a bowl. I didn't use a mixer just combined by hand. I then chilled the dough for a bit in the fridge before making 1 inch balls. For some I rolled the balls in icing sugar, for others I topped with red sprinkles before placing on a parchment lined or baking mat cookie sheet.

 Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes in a 350 degree farenheit oven. Let cookies sit for 4-5  minutes before removing from the tray. And that's it! Easy peasy!

Originally Written March 30, 2020: A Pandemic Journal Entry

I wrote this as a journal entry shortly after the pandemic began. I decided to share it with you as we approach the one year mark. It is my personal thoughts and reflections in that moment in time. 

Even though it was only 19 days ago March 11^th seems like it’s a lifetime ago. It was the day that the WHO declared a world pandemic and you know what, like many at the time it changed nothing about my day. I was at work, we were busy, we talked about it amongst ourselves a bit but otherwise discussed plans for the weekend and the upcoming March Break. The next day they announced that the schools would be closed for an additional 2 weeks after March Break. Makes sense right who knows what all the people travelling could bring back….better safe than sorry. The boys and I went out for dinner that night and it was packed. Life was normal. The following day the news was full of reports of people clearing the shelves of toilet paper and canned goods…hmm maybe I had better not wait to do groceries and at least plan to have a couple weeks worth of food at home. Brad was here for his tattoo and tax appointment, we just kept trucking but there was something a little more to talk about on the news. We got takeout and had a quiet night at home then went to his moms for dinner and cards the next day. When he left on Sunday we said see you soon. When I went to work on Sunday things were a bit uneasier, there was a note that schedules would change, there was nothing on the tables in the dining room so we could keep things extra clean, there were sanitizer stations out and we were reminded to wash our hands even more. It was quiet for a Sunday…..

Monday they announced they would be closing the restaurants for dine in service. I remember sitting there with the other girls looking at each other like what….well a couple weeks off won't be so bad. The kids are home and there is so much to do around the house. I just need to be careful with the food I have and the savings in the bank and I can get through.

I spent the next week on and off doing lots of crying as the reality of the situation sunk in. How the hell am I going to feed this kids? Pay my bills? I had to tell my poor baby as he bounced along on our daily walk that he would not be getting the big birthday present he wanted because mommy no longer had a job. He had already made the choice to have a bigger gift and no party. Now he gets neither but he was just like “its ok I understand”.

I cried and cried for my children who are trying to be brave but are disappointed that they didn’t get to go anywhere for March Break, that they have been stuck at home. Their dad and stepmom and I have been honest with them about what is going on in the world. To some degree they comprehend that something very big is going on but currently they are just enjoying their extra family time. They seem to get that the grownups in their lives are extra stressed out. This has been referred to as going to war and my children are going to be raised through this war. I drove to my parents to get boxes of food off their porch. I couldn’t hug them because I had still been out in public in the last 14 days. They are still taking care of me even though I am a grown up so that I can in turn take care of my own children.

There are people out there doing amazing things right now. Teaching art and music online, organizing virtual concerts, setting up virtual events for kids. There are people who are still going to work to keep the shelves stocked and the population fed. There are nurses and doctors working on the frontlines of this war against a virus and my heart breaks for them and what they must be going through. People I know are being so productive and getting their houses cleaned and projects finished up. I feel like I need to be doing something extra but I am both paralyzed with fear to even leave my house and torn with what is best for my kids. I need to keep them safe. I need to keep them happy and have them come through this with the least amount of trauma possible. My house is not extra clean, I have not gotten to any extra projects, I have spent a lot of time binge watching tv and crying. And that’s ok! Everyone deals with things in their own way and now is the not the time for me to be hard on myself or compare my actions to what others are doing. I have been asked to do my part and stay home and that’s what I am doing. I am doing my part and that’s enough.

 We have done lots of walking and had extra family time. We have played board games and worked on art projects and attempted  a few extra school lessons. But in their down time the kids have created games of their own. They are using their imagination, being kids. They have always been super close with each other but I am so thankful that they have each other to get through this.  I have talked on the phone a ton, something I haven’t done since I was a teenager. Friends have reached out to me and I have reached out to friends.   I had extra time to cook lots (and I have no choice I have to make the food and money last). You know what, I don’t hate it as much as I thought now that life isn’t a constant race against the clock.  I took the time to cut their peanut butter sandwiches into hearts. I hope these are things they take away from this. I guess it won't be remembered by the world but hopefully it is remembered by my kids in their little world.

2 weeks ago today was my last day of work. I am now thankful to be safe at home. I am terrified to go out in the world. Even as my heart breaks for the world there are moments of humanity that warm my soul. I see communities coming together, families coming together. Hopefully this brings the world together and finally makes us take a step back and enjoy the little things that we have all forgotten how to enjoy. Sitting at the dinner table together, reading a book, taking a walk. Maybe its time we all took a step back and looked at how we are living life and what is important. 

Cheap Eats: 3 Ingredient Beef Stroganoff

 I don't know about you but having growing boys is like having a pair of garbage disposals. They are ALWAYS hungry and now that they are both preteens they eat as much as a small army. This easy 3 ingredient take on beef stroganoff is a hearty meal for the 4 of us that is easy on the wallet. I try to stock up on these items when they are on sale so that they are on hand when I am having an "I don't know what to make for dinner moment." While meal planning is a fantastic way to save money I haven't quite mastered sitting down to make a two week plan at a time but I do find having my basic staples on hand for recipes I make frequently takes alot of the guess work out of meal time.

Keep in mind that my version of this dish is meant to feed myself, my hard working other half, and two boys that eat like men. You could easily make this with one pound of ground beef, one can of soup and half a package of noodles if your family are small eaters. 

To get started brown 2 pounds of ground beef in a large pan. It doesn't matter if you use lean or medium ground beef, whichever happens to be on sale when you buy it.  Once your beef is browned drain and set aside until your noodles are ready, you can season with pepper or garlic should you desire. As ground beef is browning get your water boiling for your noodles. Cook entire package to specifications, drain and rinse. My family likes the extra broad egg noodles but you can also use the regular, both of them have a great consistency for soaking up the sauce! Combine your noodles with your ground beef and 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup. Need a bit more sauce? You can also add in a bit of milk or top this dish with cheese (which would technically make this a 4 ingredient dish but its optitional). 

Cost breakdown for this cheap eats meal:

• 2 lbs ground beef $6.80
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup $1.78
• package of broad egg noodles $1.00

Total cost of the dish: $ 9.58. That works out to $2.40 per person. Add in a salad, green beans or veggie medley on the side or a nice bread to stretch this meal even further. In our case we had green beans that night. 

On a cold winter's evening this is a stick to your bones kind of meal and one that everyone enjoys, although my youngest could do without the veggies if you asked him! Be sure to visit some of my othr cheap and easy eats here. 

Valentine's Day Door

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I know many mamas like me are running out of fresh celebration ideas after this crazy year! Here's another fun and frugal idea to make the day (or month) special for your little one or significant other. Last year I decorated my boys doors with a ton of hearts and 14 reasons why I love them. While I did all the decorating for that day you could do a heart a day leading up to Valentine's Day. My boys actually still have their hearts on their doors (minus the treats). I incorporated some candy treats on some of their hearts where I could come up with a phrase and candy that matched. Here are just a few examples:

• You're a Smartie (with a box of Smarties)
• You can be a bit of a NERD (box of Nerds)
• You're such a Sweet Heart (Sweet Tarts) 

This is a fun take on the idea of candy birthday boards and can be adapted to any holiday with a bit of creativity and a couple of sweet treats. Sure to bring smiles to your Valentine's faces! Be sure to visit my previous post about my Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt!

Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt for the Kiddos

Every holiday seems to be a little bit different these days and I'm sure Valentine's Day is going to be no exception. I thought this would be a great time to share a post from a couple of years ago that I did on my Kawartha Beads blog  about a scavenger hunt that I created for my kiddos. This would still be a completely doable option even if you are currently in a lockdown. It helps to break up the day, is extremely economical and gives the kids a treat at the end! 

 I got the idea from this post then adjusted it for my own hunt. I found these foam hearts at the dollar store then just used a sharpie to write my clues right on the hearts. Inexpensive and festive! I've listed the clues below (answers in brackets). For your own hunt you can mix them up however you like. I made sure to hide one downstairs then the next clue would lead them upstairs so they can hopefully burn off a bit of energy! I gave them the first clue in the van when they got home from school. Of course there was a delicious prize at the end too💗💗💗

• To find your Valentine's gift you'll have to follow the clues. Your first one can be found
  
  
   where we keep the shoes! (in one of the boots on the boot mat)
• It's loaded with paper and filled with ink. It isn't a book so you'll have to think! (on the printer tray)
• For this next clue, you'll have to rush. Search in the place you keep your toothbrush! (the basket where the toothbrushes are kept)
• In here is where we keep the food cold. Open it up before you get old! (the fridge)
• Don't be slow, be quick as a wink. Go look under the kitchen sink! (under the sink)
• Don't give up, you're almost there! Go look under a kitchen chair! (taped under one of the kitchen chairs)
• This one's easy, just take a look....you'll find your next clue with all the books! (on my oldest's bookshelf)
• You haven't finished, don't get uptight. Look where mommy sleeps at night. (under my pillow)
• The hunt is almost over but before you can relax...check the place where you can find delicious snacks (the pantry cupboard)
• We come in different styles. You'll find us in a drawer. You use us as a tool...Just another BITE more! (the silverware drawer)
• You found the prize and solved the clues-but the treasure I LOVE MOST is you! Happy Valentine's Day! 
  
  
  

Back in 2021 with plenty to share

 Hello readers! Needless to say that I have been absent from this page for some time while I worked on my Kawartha Beads business, the kids grew like weeds before my eyes, and the entire world changed! Although I may not have been writing it was certainly a year for introspection, finding creative ways to stay entertained at home and SAVE MONEY! Like many people out there I went to work for my lunch shift on a Monday in March 2020 and by the time I came back for my dinner shift was told that I would be "temporarily" laid off. While I wish that writing and crafting paid the bills they are not my actual day (evening) job. Crafter by day, waitress at night, the food service industry was one that was hard hit and as I write this post servers are once again "temporarily" laid off. I will go into more details in subsequent posts about getting through these times.   As you know I am a saver, live frugally and have often expressed the importance of saving for a rainy day but I definitely did not feel prepared for the potential for no paycheque for an undetermined amount of time with mouths at home to feed. I recently decided that now was the time to revisit this blog, I could feel the itch to write, and maybe its my therapy for this troubling time in history. So welcome back and I hope you will find a tip or two for your own family along the way!

Great deal on Snap Circuit!

My kids have this and LOVE it! Even better its 61% off!

Today's Gift Pick: For Him

This post contains affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy click here

Some guys can be so hard to buy for can't they! But every man is always in need of socks and these ones are extra fun!

Weekend Reading: Free Kindle Books

***Please note at the time of this post all titles were offered for free. Prices are subject to change***

SMART SCHOOL TIME RECIPES: The Breakfast, Snack, and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults

Don't Let Go (The Invisibles)

Maciek's Story (Haunted From Within - Book One) : A Mystery & Detective Paranormal Action & Adventure Medical Thriller Conspiracy

Control Freakz: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller (Control Freakz Series Book 1)

The Enchanted Box Set Collection

For the kids:
Minecraft the Ultimate Survival Handbook:
Spectacular All-in-One Minecraft Game Guide. An Unofficial Minecraft Book (Minecraft Books)

The Pokemon Drawing Book for Kids: Learn How to Draw Pokemons with the Easy and Fun Step-by-Step Guide

My Snowman, Paul (Snowman Paul Book 1)

Our $10 March Break Entertainment Budget

It's coming....March Break!! Children are cheering and parents are groaning but with a little planning it doesn't have to be a week filled with expensive outings to keep the kids entertained. Here's our plan for the March Break (note that this is in addition to our regular grocery and gas budget for the week). Be sure to check in the actual week of to see how we are doing! In no particular order here are our activities for the week. Some days may involve more than one activity.
1. Visit the public library. COST: FREE
Most libraries will have a special selection of events during March Break, everything from story time to crafts, to Lego building and cyber camp. Even just a change of scenery and some new books and puzzles can help to break up the week and there is something for every age group from babies to teens. Our local library already has their schedule of events up (my kids are interested in quite a few so looks like we will be there a fair amount!)
2. Play Time at McD's. COST: $2
My kids love to play in the PlayPlace at McDonalds. We normally go early (pre 10am) when it is far less crowded and get a coffee and muffin combo (we eat a full breakfast at home first). The kids share the muffin as a treat and mom gets to enjoy the coffee while they play. If your budget allows by all means you can spend more then the $2 I have listed here but it is possible to visit without spending a fortune. Our rule is that when the coffee is empty it's time to go and the boys have usually had enough sliding and climbing and are ready for a new activity.
3. The Bulk Food Store: COST: $2
Ever since they were toddlers my boys have LOVED to go to the Bulk Food store. It always amazes me how they hang onto their loonie with pride and take their time walking the lines of bins to decide. Sometimes they choose to spend it all on one treat, other times they split it up into many little bags of treats. Its a great way to break up the day with an outing, learn about money and weights and enjoy the rewards afterwards!
4. The OEYC:  COST: FREE
Our local Early Years Centre is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to learn through play both with parents and peers. If you have never visited there are a ton of activities to keep little hands busy from arts and crafts, playdough, lego, toys, music, and circle time.
5. Have a picnic: COST: included in grocery budget
We usually incorporate a mini "cooking class" into picnic day. We begin by decorating "chef hats" and then the kids help me to create their picnic. It's a wonderful opportunity to have them help in the kitchen and also practice some fine motor skills. We cut fruit and cheese into bite sized pieces, use cookie cutters on our sandwiches and of course there is usually something special for dessert! Then we lay out a blanket in the living room and set up our picnic. While they eat I read them a story :)
6. Visit someone special: COST: FREE 
Take the time to visit someone special over March Break. Grandma and Grandpa, nana or a favourite aunt or friend.
7. Have a theme day: COST: FREE
We haven't picked our theme yet but some ideas include tropical, superheros, wild animals, dinosaurs, etc. We spend some time learning about our theme, dressing up and pretending!
8. Go for an ice cream: COST: $4 Even if its a blizzard outside going somewhere for an ice cream date is sure to bring some smiles. I suggest following this special outing with some time at the park or outside building snowmen/forts to help burn off that steam!
9. Craft Day: COST:$2 
We have a fairly large supply of craft supplies on hand but I know that my boys always love to pick a wooden item to paint and decorate from the Dollar Store. They also add various decorations such as beads and buttons, pom poms and ribbon. In addition to their painting activity we will also do some spring Easter crafts such as toilet paper roll bunnies and tulips from empty egg cartons.
10. One or more of the following ideas: Depending on the weather additional activities might include a visit to the park, head to the Peterborough Zoo, baking, visit indigo/chapters for one of their free events, March break program at the legislative assembly go Ontario, the Durham region astronomical association: event at opg, Free March Break Fun at Lansdowne Place.

Be sure to check in to see how our week went! I would love to hear your ideas for free or cheap family fun for the March Break holiday! Share them on the Kawartha Bargains Facebook Page here. 

Preparing For Spring Vacation

With yet another weekend filled with cold and snow we are looking forward to our spring vacation. Travel is something that we decided a few years ago was something that we absolutely had to work into our budget (more to come on how we do that) and we typically take a trip somewhere a bit warmer in the springtime. It helps to get us through those long Canadian winters!

This year we are headed to Florida and yes, there will be a day at Disney's Magic Kingdom included! I'm not sure who is more excited, me or the boys!

The Change Jar: We use a change jar to collect our trips spending money. Year round we put loose change into a jar (I suggest duct taping the lid on so that it takes away the temptation to dip into it). When its full we roll it and take it to the bank and change it in for US then resume filling the jar. By switching it into US right away it again takes away the temptation to spend it. We set a budget on how much spending money we want and once we have hit that goal we start saving for the next trip. The change jar can also be a great way to save up for other household things, like a big purchase or paying off debt. By skipping a takeout coffee (or meal) once a week, holding a yard sale, selling extra items on Kijiji or local Facebook groups or saving money on your grocery bill with coupons those little bits add up over time.

Book on a Deal: We ALWAYS book our vacation on a deal. Whether you are cruising, going to Disney or just hitting the beach there will be some sort of deal that you can take advantage of to suit your budget.  Currently Disney has a special where you can save up to 25% on select rooms for travel between March 29, 2015-June 15, 2015. The specific resort that we wanted to stay at was not part of this deal but we are a part of Best Western Rewards so we will save money on hotels during our drive to and from Florida. Additionally the extra money we save by driving vs flying we put towards staying at our preferred resort choice (more to come on that!)

Drive if you can: This may not be an option for everyone but you can save a SIGNIFICANT amount of money if you drive versus fly (especially if you have a large family). Even with young children this is the option we prefer, I will have an entire post coming shortly about Road Trips with Kids.

How do you save money on travel? Is it something you do frequently? Wish you could do more of? I would love to hear your tips, stop by the Facebook Page to leave a comment!

Gosh It's Been Quiet Around Here!

I apologize for all of the crickets that you have been hearing around here lately! Quite frankly at the end of 2013 I wasn't sure where I was headed with Kawartha Bargains. There are so many great sites and groups out there that offer weekly deals and coupon matchups, amazing hauls, etc. I knew that I really wanted to focus on Kawartha Beads and with two little kids I just wasn't able to keep up to date with all those amazing specials like I knew readers would want. Several times I almost shut down Kawartha Bargains but a little voice just wouldn't let me.
So if you are looking for weekly coupon matchups, sales, etc. there are a number of great sites to choose from. Two of my fav's are a local Facebook Group (if you are in the City of Kawartha Lakes, ON) called The Savy Spending Money Savers and one of my favourite blogs Simply Frugal.
As for Kawartha Bargains I am going to focus more on how we save money and the number one thing we like to do with those savings....travel! So stay tuned for lots of new and exciting posts to come. In the meantime stop by the Kawartha Bargains Facebook Page where I will spend this week reposting the Top 10 most popular posts up til now!

Swag Code Sneak Peek

Here's a quick sneak peek at the upcoming Swag Code for Saturday 
December 21st. 

Code FUZZY
Value: 3sb
When 3-6pm Eastern