I'm back and so glad to pick up where I left off!

So while I was away I had a great job with a newspaper in the circulation end of things.  I had so much access to the coupons it was unbelievable - however, the job was to get the papers delivered so I just stopped couponing!  A few carriers wanted to start couponing and I gave them tips - but I have not couponed since 3/2013!
I did not think this was a cupcake - I thought it was a cousin of the ding dong.

Well I am back - still have an in with coupons and so will start posting tips when I can.  Now my other love is soap making and I have graduated from melt and pour to cold process soap and will start blogging about that too.  I ordered a new sewing machine and so that is going to keep me busy along with the earrings I make and the horseshoes I decorate.  Isn't retirement grand?

Florida - Bought 3 Lottery Tickets

This post was a draft - guess waiting for me to buy a ticket.  Do not remember if I did so --I didn't win.

 

 

Mega Money jackpot rolls over to $550,000

The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida Lottery officials say no one matched all four numbers plus the Mega Ball, causing a $550,000 rollover for the next jackpot.
Six tickets also won $1,193.50 each for picking 4-of-4; 43 tickets won $365.00 each for picking 3-of-4 plus the Mega Ball number; 825 tickets won $56.50 each for picking 3-of-4; 1,177 tickets won $27.50 each for picking 2-of-4 plus the Mega Ball; 11,318 won $2.50 each for matching one number plus the Mega Ball; 23,927 tickets won $2 each for picking 2-of-4; and 29,015 won a free Quick Pick ticket for matching the Mega Ball.
The numbers drawn Friday night were 12-32-38-42 and the Mega Ball was 17.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/14/3818050/mega-money-jackpot-rolls-over.html#storylink=cpy

Bread making - lo carb recipe search.

I just went to Sears to buy towels - pillows - and compare prices of the bread machines!  

 

This brand was $59.00 on the Internet site - even getting 3% off from Ebates.  In store it was on sale for $29.99!  That in hand I am now going to research bread for a lo carb. lifestyle! 

Let you know what I find.

It is so cute and the reviews were pretty darn positive.

You should never pay to be a mystery shopper.

There are a few instances where you may have to pay:  one is to become a Business Auditor with Trend Source they ask you to get a background check.  It does not cost much, you do it from their sight and then you get to apply for jobs that verify businesses:  these are fun shops to do.

The next item is to pay for you MSRP rating.  When I did these years ago, the first level was free. – I do not know the fees involved, but they rank you higher if you have it.

The first thing I recommend you do is create a new e-mail specifically for Mystery Shopping.  That way you know where to look for job responses or opportunities.

http://www.Volition.com

 This is the website where you will find the link to all of the companies that hire mystery shoppers.  You will need to go down the list and register with each one.   This is really, why you need a new e-mail – there are so many and you do not want your own e-mail account to get full.

There is the section from Volition.com that is under Get Paid.

You can choose from many other categories.

 I will tell you here and now that you have to give your social security to register unless you have a TIN number.

http://www.ein-gov.us/?gclid=CJy9heCThL0CFeRi7AodKwMAmQ

https://www.us-tax-id-number.com/?gclid=CLDQyOuThL0CFUcV7Aodn1UAkg

http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online

I got mine fast and free.  Now you use this number instead of giving out your Social Security Number.  Take the time to register with all the companies for mystery shopping – you will see other type of work to register for – your choice.

I registered with every company using the same e-mail address.  This way it was easy for me to remember, as you have to log in to view available jobs.

 

http://www.jobslinger.com/

This handy little site combines all shop companies.  The simple version is free.

Now the shopper sites are available on Face Book – I have not looked into the pages – but feel free to do so.

That list I told you about in Excel.  Well I had the hyper-link to the sight and could just quickly go through the opportunities quick and easy.

Now once you are registered go to the sites daily and peruse the jobs in your area.  They all have some sort of filter you use to find them in your area.

You need to establish yourself with them as:

1.  Reliable
2.  Honest
3.  Through
4.  Timely

I signed up with all the companies and made myself a spreadsheet in Excel.  It listed the site address for each, my password and I had columns for applied date, job name, mileage, and completion.  As usual, I changed computers and no longer have the spreadsheet.  I do not mystery shop very often, maybe a coffee shop, or an office supply store when I need ink.

This is something that I did so I could also track my mileage, as you can deduct it on your taxes.

The starter shops are usually McDonald's and other fast food restaurants.  You get to eat free and get a small payment as well.

BIG NOTE here, you get paid anywhere from 4-6 weeks later – but once you get rolling it comes in like clockwork.  I advise you to also get a PayPal account as you will get paid faster.

If you have any questions just send me a note.

Good luck - it is so easy!

Quick Enchilada Casserole - Marvelous

•  
• I purchased the Old El Paso enchilada boxed dinner. 
•  
•  Thinking I didn't want to spend the time following directions - I then:
• Poured  a little sauce on the bottom of a glass pan -
•  Then cut (or tearing works just as well) the tortillas into small bite size pieces.
•  
•  Layer cheese, sauce, meat of any kind (cooked), tortillas until you are finished with the ingredients.   Try to make two layers at least.
• 
  
• Another great topping would be Doritos - ummm!
•  
• Cook to heat and then enjoy. 
  
•  
• I also make them with a can of enchilada sauce, cheese, green chilies, and corn tortillas. - I figure that they get chewed up anyway - why take all the time to roll etc!  I admit the bowl I served has a bit to be photogenically desired - just cover with sour cream and more cheese - and an olive!
•  
• I also use this technique for my Lasagna - it works out perfectly!

Enjoy

Zuchinni Art

 

 

 

 

As always, I look for items of interest to blog about - in today's paper in my area there is a section that shows how to make Zucchini boats - note that I have the market on it ... 

So I decided to look further and find our what else you can do - and here are just two images I found:

With either plan - there is increased interest in the almighty garden queen - the Zucchini.

My latest Listia Recipes - some old favorites... some I must share... and some that I just cook all the time.

My latest Listia Recipes - some old favorites... some I must share... and some that I just cook all the time.

The greatest!  My reason for coming up with theses recipes was a plethora of zucchini one summer 20 years ago.  Not wanting to let anything go to waste I began to cook everything I could imagine with them- my family loves them to this day - young and old - but then we are a vegetable loving family.  But let me tell you everyone loves it!

Back to the Stuffed Zucchini and Yellow crook neck squash side dishes.  Note: if you use meat in the mix you can call it a main course!

Now you can use either squash for any combination - I think the tomato based fillings go best with Zucchini and the toppings vary with what I have on hand.
 
1st  half the squash lengthwise. 
Pull out the seeds with a spoon (put into compost bin).  Here you can decide to steam them or "par" boil them.  I just cook them as is, in a little bit of water so they don't dry out or burn.  If adding water to the pan do not cover the squash boats!  Pre-cooking will cut off 30 minutes of cooking - you will still spend the same amount of time, try it both ways to see what consistency you prefer.

I like to cut of the tips of the ends - but make sure you have a boat left in the center.

Pour a tomato sauce: Alfredo, pizza, Ragu, or what ever sauce you have to cover the bottom - on top you can add crumbled sausage, bacon, hamburger, or whatever you have on hand.  The topping; is of course shredded cheese.

Before you put in the pan you need to poke a few toothpick sized holes to let them drain.  Bake if not par boiled or steamed beforehand, for 45 minutes - making sure to brown them nicely before serving.  If you have pre-cooked as above then you need to only warm up the toppings and broil the top to a lovely golden brown.

2nd Pic:   This is basically the same but nothing like the first fillings!  LOL   Hold on to your hat as the sauce on this one is mayonnaise... yep and you would never know it.  OK, now here you can add Parmesan cheese, feta, goat cheese crumbles, fresh mozzarella, real Parmesan cheese, Asiago, you get the picture.  I use a combination of all the cheeses I have and add the fresh shredded Parmesan cheese for browning on the top.

Since this original posting I have prepared these dishes dozens of times and am always on the last bite when I remember to take a photo.  Last night it was fresh mozzarella cheese on top and it was sooooooo good.