Free Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusions Sample

Registration required:

https://moroccaninfusion.suave.com/shinesweeps/

Bath&Body Works Freebie

Bath&Body Works has sent a coupon for a free travel-size item and one for 20% off your entire purchase. Check your mailboxes. Both expire on 4/21.

Orange Ginger Coconut Smoothie

The weather outside has been frightful. Wind whipping, temperature dipping. I needed a bit of sunshine in a glass. I don't care for ice in my smoothies, so I used cold ingredients. Makes 16 ounces without ice cubes.

You'll need approximately:

• half of a medium orange, cut up
• .5 tsp orange zest
• .25 tsp ground ginger
• dash nutmeg
• .5 cup Fage Total 0% greek yogurt
• 1 cup So Delicious coconut milk
• .25 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbs sweetened, shredded coconut

Put yogurt in blender then add spices. Add zest and shredded coconut. Add coconut milk then  orange pieces. Pour pineapple juice over contents. Blend on high for about 45 seconds then liquify for about 15. Scrape blender bowl if needed then repeat blending until desired consistency reached.

Free Escada Sample

 Perfume and my allergies don't get along, but I hope you'll like it:

http://www.escada-fragrances.com/en/free-perfume-samples/

Free Eucerin Smoothing Repair Lotion Sample

This brand is great for all members of your household, especially those with sensitive skin. Click the link below for your sample:

http://www.allyou.com/coupons-deals/daily-free-samples-00411000069695/free-eucerin-00411000077485//?xid=freesamples-030813

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Pancakes are my main choice for a make-ahead breakfast. They freeze wonderfully and defrost quickly. I adapted these from AllRecipes.com. I replaced the pumpkin with Bruce's Sweet Potato Pie filling, which I found for 50 cents. With no allspice on hand, I added more of the other spices. I also skipped the all-purpose flour. Instead, I opted for equal portions of King Arthur Unbleached Whole Wheat and Arrowhead Mills Organic Rye flours. I oiled the griddle with Smart Balance spread. 

See http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-pancakes/detail.aspx for recipe details.

Rain Checks Rule

Why? Because they extend the life of sales. This strategy applies to retailers of various types. Most set limits on coupon redemption and purchase quantities. And, stragglers like myself miss out on sale items because other savvy shoppers pounce as soon as an ad takes effect.

What I Got for Free Today

Don't despair when you encounter empty shelf space. Go to the customer service counter and request the maximum allowable amount of rain checks. When the item is back in stock, redeem the voucher for that amount or less depending on your needs. If using coupons too, make your purchase before the coupon expiration date.

Collard, Onion and Mango Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The collards I planted in September survived winter. I've been craving them lately, especially with onions.The other night I found myself in a pinch. Determined not to eat out and to use ingredients on hand to make a quick meal, I peered into my fridge. An often overlooked jar of mango chutney begged me to pick it instead of mayo. I did and threw together a sandwich that satisfied my hunger.

You'll need approximately:

• .5 cup collard greens, end stems removed
• .25 cup chopped onion 
• 1 tbs mild mango chutney
• 2 slices Kraft Big Slice Colby & Monterrey Jack
• Healthy Life 100% whole grain wheat bread
• 1 tbs Smart Balance Spread

Place a slice of cheese on each slice of bread. Set aside. Preheat grill or panini press. Meanwhile, melt the spread in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the vegetables. Saute just until the collards are tender. Spread the chutney on top of the cheese slices. Place vegetables on top of one slice then place the assembled sandwich on your grill without applying too much pressure on the lid. Cook until crust has toasted to your desired level.

Figo Pasta, Atlanta

I discovered Figo Pasta as a mystery shopper years ago and patronize it now as a regular customer. It’s grown to multiple locations since but hasn’t lost its rustic appeal. At Figo, meals aren’t rushed. Each bite rings of carefully cultivated flavor profiles, transporting diners to Italy.

My enthusiasm for Figo continues to grow. I had a small gathering there for my birthday. I normally go to the Hammond Drive location in Atlanta but have had positive experiences at others. Figo outshines national chain restaurants, especially those serving boxed pasta and masquerading as fine dining.

Figo offers homemade traditional pasta as well as wheat, spinach, gluten-free and paprika.The restaurant serves standbys, like eggplant parmesan, but being able to select your own pasta and sauce combination continues to draw customers. I’m fond of the spinach tagliatelle and the crab ravioli, usually with a cream sauce. As Figo expands its seasonal offerings, I venture more outside of my comfort zone: Think strawberry risotto or bacon cheeseburger ravioli.

Even if its addictive, signature olive oil was the only item for sale Figo would still shame its competition. A coupon calendar sold every December adds to Figo’s value. Part of the proceeds go to charity.

Click to follow on:

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

GA (Georgia) French Bakery, Duluth

One morning I drove all around the Pleasant Hill Mall area in Duluth searching for a real bakery that sold fresh blueberry muffins. I almost gave up when I happened to notice GA (Georgia) French Bakery. Items in the display all appeared decadent. The blueberry scones and the blueberry bread pudding were sold out, so I chose a fruit tart. Slices of deep red strawberries, vibrant kiwis and mandarin oranges crowned creamy custard atop a golden crust.

GA French Bakery's quality is better than swanky Atlanta-area bakeries I've tried and less expensive. Its offerings include loaves of bread, croissants (sweet and savory), danishes, cookies, cakes, soups and sandwiches. Every pastry I've tried has pleased my palate, offering a twist on the familiar. Clearly, the owner incorporates classic baking techniques. And, in case you're wondering, the owner is from France.