Free Burito (Boo-Rito) from Chipolte

Even though I absolutely love Chipolte (natural & fresh ingredients! hormone free chicken! the best black bean burritos!), here is why I am not participating in this event...

... you need to dress as a burrito (or other favorite food item) in order to receive it. That is enough said in my book.

Good tonight from 6-10. No coupon necessary. Here's the story...I guess Chipolte has been at this awhile so I am sure you won't be the only one. :-)

Free Bath and Body Works Lotion

Possible stocking stuffer? Even though its nearing 70 degrees here in Des Moines AND its the last day of October, Christmas shopping is beginning to enter my mind. Its hard not to think about it as I was shopping at Target today and saw Fall items being clearance and red and green decor moving its way in. Bring it on! I love the holidays! By the way...click here for the lotion coupon.

Candy Infused?

Last night was Beggar's Night in West Des Moines. It was an ideal weather night and the trick or treaters were out in full force. Wondering what to do with all of the excess candy? I have zero willpower around sweets and if I know they are there, its a lost cause for me. Here is my candy plan this year:

* Freeze Candy: This works especially well for Snickers bars. There is nothing like a chilled snickers in the summer time. Of course, the problem is...having them last until then (they never do at our house, but it does slow down the consumption a bit).

* The Candy Fairy made an appearance at our house last night. I let them choose if they wanted to participate or not as I never did it when I was growing up. The girls were on board immediately and picked out ten favorite pieces to keep (I even let them keep it in their rooms which is unheard of at our house, but thought it would help with ownership :-). They left the remaining candy on the front step with our porch lights on to let the Candy Fairy that we meant business. The Candy Fairy took all the candy to his office today and left a present that all three kids can enjoy.

* EP True Dental in West Des Moines will pay you a $1 for each pound of candy taken in. They in turn are shipping the candy overseas for the soldiers. What a great idea! This is especially great for those older kids that I saw with overflowing pillow cases last night trick or treating...Thanks, Joe, for this idea.

Any other candy ridding ideas out there besides gorging on all of it...at least its out of sight out of mind then...:-)

I Vote for Free Ice Cream!

In less then five days this election wil thankfully be behind us. On November 4th, celebrate making your voice count with Ben & Jerry's free scoop of ice cream! Offer is good from 5-8 pm on Election Day.

Crock Pots are Cool!

Its getting to be that time of year! Crock pot season! Gone are the days of only-a-grandma-uses- one stereotype. Crockpots are cool! We have our usual favorites we always cook (roasts and chili are by far the most common). I have made a little early resolution that I will use mine more and try a variety of recipes. I mentioned I have the Fix it and Forget it Lightly cookbook which I love, but the truth is...I am online far more then I am rummaging around in my cookbook cupboard.

Finding a recipe online is so easy and convenient! Did you know that there is someone who has vowed to use her crockpot every single day of the year? She includes recipes, pictures of the finished product, and readers can comment and add their variations. What a fun idea. Check it out here. Please let me know if you have a crockpot favorite. I love the convenience of piling everything in the cooker on my own timetable and having dinner ready to go whenever we are!

Halloween Candy Recall

Is nothing safe anymore?! I heard about this from several people, but with trick or treating a few days away, it is definitely worth posting. I heard about this from several sources, but the bottom line is that the candy (shown below) is responsible for hospitalizing thousands of babies in China. It has been traced back to the candy manufacturers. I have never heard of the White Rabbit candy, but my girls love the gold chocolate coins.


I am actually kind of dreading the candy overload that will be soon invading our house anyway. I have heard of having a Candy Fairy come the night of Trick or Treat and leaving a gift in place of the candy. I am thinking of letting the kids choose ten or so favorite pieces, they leaving the rest at the door for fairy. It is kind of selfish on my part too...I have no willpower around candy and will really need to have it out of the house...

Free Redbox Rental on Oct. 27th

Today only you can get a free DVD rental at your local Redbox. Here is the code: 93NCA5.