Deal of the Day: DiGiorno Crispy Flatbread Pizzas

Through HouseParty.com, I scored some great coupons for DiGiorno frozen pizzas. Last night, we tried the Tuscan Chicken Crispy Flatbread pizza. I am sort of a pizza snob but it was very tasty. I've got some coupons to share for $4 off any DiGiorno pizza that is 12 inches or larger. The pizzas are all $5.99 at Safeway right now, so one could be yours for $1.99! I will give a coupon to the first four people to comment on this post.

Favorite Things: Skinny Cow Ice Cream

Now that my kids can swim, I will actually have to wear a bathing suit myself this summer. For that reason and because the cones, sandwiches and bars are also REALLY TASTY, my new favorite treat is Skinny Cow ice cream. Check here for a $1 off coupon. Now if I can just decide which treat to use my coupon to purchase. Choices, choices. I'm thinking the new Truffle bar needs a place in my freezer.

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Check it -- HouseParty.com

Do you like free stuff? Do you like sharing free stuff with your friends? Yes. And yes. Be sure to check out HouseParty.com, a site that allows you to sign up for free offers of everything from the latest turkey bacon to romance novels or even photosharing website freebies. I'd say it is a win-win. I'm going to check it out and report back. Maybe you will feel like doing the same?

Deal of the Day: JCPenney Dress Shirts

This super deal was passed on to me by faithful reader, Marni!
Men's Dress Shirts, normally $49.oo for only $7.99! Plus, only $4.99 shipping.

Click here to check it out!

Favorite Things: Five Under $10 -- Beauty Products

Allow me to introduce five of my current favorite beauty products, all retailing for under $10 ...

1. Boots Amazon Forest Brazil Nut and Vanilla Body Scrub: Is it ever too early to work on your flip flop feet?

2. Up and Up Eye Makeup Remover: This is the Target brand equivalent to Neutrogena Eye Cleanser. It retails for $3 less and works exactly the same. With the $3 you save, toss a new lip gloss in your Target cart.

3. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion: It is fragrance free but has a nice oatmeal texture. Perfect for a quick hand treatment.

4. John Frieda Collection Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Moisturizing Shampoo: This shampoo makes my hair feel like I just got it washed at the salon. I use the "matching" conditioner too and it is super duper as well.

5. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser: Perfect for your nighttime routine. Very gentle but with a exfoilant bead that really works nicely on tired skin.

What are your favorite cheap and cheerful beauty products? Please share!

Cheap and Cheerful Cooking: Butternut Squash Soup

We had this soup for dinner last night and it was very good. We didn't try the banana topping but we will with our leftovers!

Todd’s "Improved" Version of Ina Garten's Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds butternut squash, peeled and seeded (2 medium butternut squashes)
2 white onions
2 Gala apples and 1 Granny Smith, peeled and cored
3 tablespoons good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon good curry powder

Condiments for serving
Scallions, white and green parts, trimmed and sliced diagonally
Flaked sweetened coconut, lightly toasted
Roasted salted cashews, toasted and chopped
Diced banana

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut the butternut squash, onions, and apples into 1-inch cubes. Place them on a sheet pan and toss them with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Divide the squash mixture between 2 sheet pans and spread in a single layer. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, tossing occasionally, until very tender.
Meanwhile, heat the chicken stock to a simmer. When the vegetables are done, put them through a food mill fitted with the medium blade. (Alternatively, you can puree with a stick blender. Add some of the chicken stock and finely puree.) When all of the vegetables are processed, place them in a large pot and add enough chicken stock to make a thick soup. Add the curry powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Taste for seasonings to be sure there is enough salt and pepper to bring out the curry flavor. Reheat and serve hot with condiments either on the side or on top of each serving.

Serving suggestion – This would be excellent with coconut crusted prawns. Also, substituting ground ginger for the ground curry would be a good variation if you do not like curry or want a more Asian dish.

Cheap and Cheerful Crafts: Holiday Pillowcases

While the best thing about this adorable pillowcase is that it is created with special "Nana love", I wanted to share this craft idea with you, our faithful readers. For about $10 for a yard of holiday fabric and some elbow grease, you can sew two holiday pillow cases for someone you love. Nothing against Valentine candy, but I think this is one of the sweetest gifts around.