Oct. 18th ~ National Chocolate Cupcake Day

National Chocolate Cupcake Day - celebrating Chocolate Cupcakes is right up my alley.

Apparently Amelia Simmons wrote the first American cookbook, American Cookery.  Published in 1796 (Hartford, CT) and the cupcake was born.

I bought the cookbook (Kindle and Print).  The recipe is titled - "A light Cake to bake in small cups".  The recipe calls for... 1/2 pound of sugar, 1/2 pound of butter, rubbed into 2 pounds of flour, one glass of wine, one do (ditto - glass) rose water, 2 do (ditto - glass) emptins, a nutmeg, cinnamon and currants.

I love this!  The cookbook has a glossary and I'm thankful because I didn't know what "do" or "emptins" were.  Emptins were "semiliquid prepared yeast".

Ths Hostess company was the first to mass produce cupcakes in 1919 and they're still producing today.

Thanks to all who create and bake cupcakes.  Especially today on "National Chocolate Cupcake Day"!

Thanks for visiting ~ Reia

I Love Clearance Items!

In my area - they're marked all different ways and I've learned to look for each store's particular sign.  (I'm with Kroger - "Woohoo! Great deal!")

Last night i found a very special find.  A clearance item that has 0 carbs and bacon in it.
What's not to love, right?

On top of the great price...it tastes really good!  ~  Thanks for visiting!  Reia

Kroger ~ Mega Sale continues

There are a lot of beautiful things in my life that make me smile.  Today it was...Kroger's Mega Sale is going on for another week.

Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

Yes!  Music to my ears - a big smile on my face!


I've been able to collect my coupons, plan my attack and come home with a good stock up of some things we really need.  Here are a few of the things I've saved on.  

Mission Tortilla chips - 89cents ~ Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat (8 oz) - $1.79 - 75 cent coupon ~ Valley Fresh (5 oz) canned chicken $.89 - 55 cent coupon and Hefty Slider Bags - $.99 - .50 coupon.

Like a hunter out to provide for their family - that's me but in the grocery store.

Thanks for visiting!  Reia

Coupons ~ It's the end...of the year

Coupon users know - the end of the year is serious. So many coupons expire on 12-31.

Photo by Perry Merrity II on Unsplash

Throw in a Kroger "Mega Event" that started today and the fun really begins!

I spent a delightful day in Kroger and Walmart today. I used my coupons. I also used my rebate apps (links are below) to help pay for my purchases.

Fetch - Ibotta - Shopkick

I didn't get a lot but what I got we can use and the savings help me put food on our table.

Thanks for visiting ~ more deals to come!  Reia

Coupons and Savings ~ "25 Merry Days with Kroger"

We live in a fairly small town.  We have a Super Walmart, two Walmart Markets, a Food Lion and a Kroger.


I'm really excited about Kroger's new promotion.  It's named...

25 Merry Days with Kroger

"Deck the Halls with Deals" - new digital coupons, recipes and more each day!

"Beginning November 25th thru December 19th - save with new digital coupons every day.  Plus get delicious recipes, tips and more for a very merry holiday."


"Just text "Deals4" to 99006 for daily text reminders about all the exclusive deals."

 For more information (plus some sneak peeks for a few of the "Free" items and savings) visit their website about the 25 Merry Days with Kroger promotion.

Thanks for visiting - more good deals, coupon news & coupon hints on their way from me to YOU!  Reia

Coupon Apps ~ It's a Whole New World...

My daughter and son-in-law gave me an iPhone for Christmas.  They're good to me everyday but I've got to admit this has been a "handy dandy" present to receive.  

I've found it really useful for coupon-ing.  I've been trying out a lot of free apps as I get to know my coupon holder - er - phone.  Here are a few that I'm experimenting with.

• The SavingStar app - not sure about it yet.
  
• My Ginger of www.literallyinspired.com - told me about RetailMeNot so I'm experimenting with it.
  
• The Kroger app ~ I know already that I love it!  Now I actually can see what digital coupons I have on my card without a long print out or hand written notes.

  The one I'm having the most fun with and even paid $9.99 for the full version is Coupon Keeper 2.  Coupon Keeper 2 Lite is the free app.  After scanning in 20 coupons you have to buy the full version or hand enter all your coupons.  I read loads of reviews and everyone stated it was worth the $9.99 - so we'll see.  I do have high hopes from the reviews.

(Image is from http://www.superkiddostudio.com/CouponKeeper2.php)

I'm sure I'll have more apps to experiment with and I'd appreciate your suggestions.  I'll keep you posted on what I find out, what I like and what just doesn't work for me.

Thanks for visiting!  Reia