Favorite Things: Snapfish Daily Planner

When it comes to my calendar, I'm old school -- a paper and pencil planner works great for me. Every year, I buy a notebook from Snapfish for $9.99 and select the daily planner page design inserts, add a photo, and voila! I think this bargain is a bit of a "best kept secret" as it isn't actually described on the Snapfish store site. You can link to it by clicking "create your planner" under the Parents section on the link I've provided. There are so many cute cover designs or you can even do a cover with a photo collage. Choices, choices ... But I need to pick soon, I've already made a few plans for 2010 that I want to pencil in!

Deal of the Day: Crocs.com Buy One, Get One Free

Just in time for school! Buy one, get one free on 30+ styles on Crocs.com. Plus free ground shipping on all orders. My son's school won't allow Crocs in class but I'm going to scoop up a few pairs for weekend wear and perhaps snag a larger size for next summer.

Cheap and Cheerful Vacation

Cheap and Cheerful are on vacation (together!) until Friday. Our eyes are peeled for the best deals in Fall fashion. Leave a comment here while we're gone. What fab finds and great deals have you spotted lately?

Favorite Things: Wristlet Key Fob

Super cute wristlet key fobs. Only $6. A million reasons to buy one (or two or ten!). Bachelorette party favor? 16 year old niece got a new car? Friend got a new job? You got a new purse? Easy to mail in some cute tissue and a padded envelope ... and you've got a cheap and cheerful present that would make any girl smile.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What's your fave under $10 find?

Cheap and Cheerful Cooking: Panko Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Panko Crusted Chicken Nuggets

These tasty tidits would make a fun school lunch. Simply place into a Thermos and the nuggets will still be warm by lunchtime.

Ingredients
1 large egg
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
Ranch, honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping, optional
Carrot, cucumber and or celery sticks, optional

Directions
Whisk the egg and buttermilk in a medium bowl. Soak chicken pieces in egg mixture while you gather remaining ingredients. Meanwhile, in another shallow bowl combine panko with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper, to taste. Set a rack on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lift chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drain back into the bowl, then dip into panko and turn to coat on all sides.

Carefully place chicken in oil and cook until they are golden and crispy and cooked through, about for 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to the rack to cool. Place in sealed container. Pack in a lunch box with their favorite veggies and ranch, honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.

Deal of the Day: California Pizza Kitchen Adventure Card

Cheap and Cheerful love to dine together at California Pizza Kitchen. We usually split the chopped salad and a Tostada pizza. Lemonade for me. Diet Coke for Margaret. This summer at CPK, you can try some of their new menu items for 20% off. Click here to claim your Adventure Card. It is valid until September 15th. Since we share a September birthday, I think a little birthday lunch is in order. Right? I want to try the new BBQ Chicken Pizza with Applewood Smoked Bacon. Pizza and bacon. Bring it on.

Retail Therapy: Green Cotton Pajamas at Garnet Hill

Let's say I have $100 of "fun money". First stop, pedicure. Second stop, a new pair of Asian Wrap pajamas by Green Cotton. At $68 a pair, this soft sleepwear is certainly spendy, but it's worth every penny. I adore my pair; I've had the same pair for almost 4 years and the jammies are still extra cozy. The color is fading a bit so the search for a new pair begins. Three styles are available: long sleeved shirt and pants, short sleeve shirt and shorts, and a gown. Just thinking about a new pair makes me feel a little sleepy. Maybe I will just lay in bed with my Garnet Hill catalog and dream of which fabric choice I'll select.