September 24, 2010

Free Samples

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Free Nature’s Path Granola Bar , Click on the 3PMmmm Contest tab and then click the green “Hungry” tab under it. Fill out your info and choose from 8 different flavors! Thanks, My Dallas Mommy!

Go here to score a FREE trial of Greentea Hawaii! Thanks, Mojo Savings!

Go here to score a FREE sample of Garnier Fructis Dandruff Shampoo sample. Allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. Thanks Rose Knows Coupons!

Click HERE to request your FREE Sample of Children's Claritin from Sam's Club. You MUST have a Sam's Club membership for this one! Thanks Ohio Coupon Connection!


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Free Pampers Kandoo Wipes

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HURRY~ The first 10,000 people to sign up HERE will get a coupon in the mail for a FREE tub of Kandoo wipes!


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How to "Cup" Coffee

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I am sure if you have been following Memphis Mommy for long you know that I (Shana) am a completely coffee obsessed. Ever wonder how coffee tasters determine what beans to buy? One of the tools of the trade is to "cup" a variety of coffees to determine flavor, aroma, and taste. To cup, or cupping, is a methodical, standardized way to brew and taste coffees to compare them to others, and for the novice, it's a marvelous way to develop a vocabulary of coffee tasting terms that will make your future choices personalized to your preferences.
In general, most professionals take the raw, green beans and roast them each the same way, usually a light or maybe a slightly medium roast. The lighter roasting style can emphasize both the faults and the more ephemeral qualities of each bean choice.
While brewing for cupping has many variations, here is a basic preparation guideline that simply uses water and ground beans and no machine:
• Roast the coffee (or have it roasted by your local roaster). If comparing three coffee brands, choose those that are roasted in the same style.
• Allow it to rest two days, if freshly roasted.
• Grind the beans coarsely.
• Measure as you usually would for one cup and pour under-boiling water (195-205°F) on the grounds, and infuse from three to four minutes.
• Smell the coffee and take note of anything to look for while tasting.
• Break the crust that naturally forms while coffee is steeping and stir gently so that the grounds sink to the bottom. (Scoop off any of those that rest on top and discard.)
• Now, cup. This is done by filling a tablespoon with coffee. Do not drink it, but literally slurp it by drawing the coffee into your mouth and allowing it to hit the roof of your mouth, coat your tongue, then fall into the back of your mouth, without swallowing. Doing this not only stimulates the sense of taste but those of feel/touch and your sense of smell. (You'll make noise like everyone else, so relax.)
• Using a large bowl, spit out this coffee; do not swallow. The main reason is that you are going to taste six to 12 coffees at a time and you want to avoid the caffeine buzz and it can compromise your taste buds to drink and swallow.
• In between tastings you can drink some cold water or eat some plain white bread to refresh your taste buds.
Okay, now you know how to taste, so choose at least three coffees, then work up to six and later to 12. You can choose any combination you want, three from Sumatra from three different brands and compare them against each other. Or, you can ask your coffee roaster to select three to six coffees for you to compare. There's no right or wrong here, this is a riff on brew-and-tell and a great teaching tool to introduce the differences from coffees from various regions in the world. Remember, ask for coffees to be roasted the same way, preferably a light roast. After doing this a few times, you can compare three types of coffees roasted medium, then move on to dark or flavored coffees, as desired.
Now, what are you looking for when you cup? In rating the coffees, ask yourself if the coffee is sharp or dull, lively or flat, heavy or thin in body, pungent or mild in fragrance, and if it has full-mouth flavor and/or a pleasant aftertaste. The following is just a guideline for your tasting notes. Feel free to add other characteristics as you learn more of the vocabulary of coffee cupping. The fragrance of the wet grounds should be more intense than the dry ones. Acidity can give the taste of coffee its freshness and its sense of liveliness.
Cupping Guidelines:
Coffee
• Name
• Origin (country and estate, if known)
• Moisture Percent, if known
• Roast Level (Light, Medium, Dark, or Other)
• Aroma/Fragrance of dry beans (Fresh, Stale, Over/Under Roasted)
• Aroma/Fragrance of wet grounds (smooth, fresh, creamy, lively, sharp)
Taste characteristics:
1. Acidity/Liveliness (1 to 10)
2. Body (This is how the coffee literally feels in the mouth. Some descriptions are full, thin, fat, rich)
3. Overall Flavor (Butter or caramel, fruit like black currant, wine, chocolate, woody, grassy, honey or malt, nut or spice (can you name the spice?), and in some cases, anise or licorice notes)
4. Finish aka Aftertaste (dry, sweet, smooth, silky, burnt, full, sour, bitter, sharp, or thick)
5. Additional Notes
O.K. so was this far too much information ;0) Let me know if you found this interesting and have starting spitting coffee in a bowl ;0) Click here to see where I got this info from.


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5 Thing To Know About Deli Meat

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[Image of: Deli Meats]

Take a look the next time you are in the dairy department (where you can find these prepackaged and hanging on hooks) or in the ready to slice deli section, and you'll find scores of varieties. If you are unfamiliar with a type of deli meat, ask for a sample – sometimes the flavoring or texture might be a surprise (either good or bad) and in this category it is always wise to try a sample before you buy!

1. There are three types of cold cuts

Whole cuts: cuts of meats or poultry that are cooked and then sliced (for examples: roast beef, corned beef, turkey breast), sectioned and formed products and processed products. Whole cuts are exactly what they sound like – a section of meat or poultry that has been cooked, possibly flavored with salt, spices or sugars. Typically these are the more expensive type of cold cuts.

Sectioned and formed meat products: restructured meat products – such as multi part turkey breasts or cooked hams. They are prepared from chunks or pieces of meat and are bonded together to form a single piece.

Processed meats (sausages): the majority of what we call cold cuts. There are two methods for preparing the ingredients: emulsion prepared where the meat is finely chopped and the hydrophobic proteins react with fat, the opposite protein, and the hydrophilic will react with water to hold fat in the solution (bologna, Vienna sausages, hot dogs) ... and non emulsion which typically are coarser grinds.

2. Read the fine print

One of the questions I'm most asked about has to do with "nitrates" or "nitrites" that are listed in the ingredients on some cold cut packages. Sodium Nitrite helps prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism in humans and is also used alone or in conjunction with sodium nitrate as a color fixative in cured meat and poultry products (bologna, hot dogs, bacon). During the cooking process, nitrites combine with amines naturally present in meat to form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. It is also suspected that nitrites can combine with amines in the human stomach to form N-nitroso compounds. These compounds are known carcinogens and have been associated with cancer of the oral cavity, urinary bladder, esophagus, stomach and brain.
For a glossary of other ingredients from the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service Labeling Regulations click here.

3. Food Safety
To protect against food illnesses the government advises consumers to thoroughly cook raw animal products; thoroughly wash all food that is to be eaten raw like fruits and vegetables; keep foods to be eaten raw separate from uncooked meats, and wash hands, knives and cutting boards with hot soapy water. Also, be sure to watch out for the juices from processed meats and sausages ... it can transmit the bacteria, so wash with hot water and soap anything that comes in contact with the juices.

4. Like Paying For Water?
It is perfectly legal for food companies to add a water, sodium and water or even water and spices solution to many of the lunch meats including ham, roast beef and turkey; but they must be labeled clearly and state the exact percentage of solution that has been added. For example, "10% water-added," or "Contains Up To 10% Added Moisture" – which means you are paying for one pound of water for every ten pounds of meat that you buy.

Since food is sold by weight it's important to read the labels, not only for the declaration of how much water or other solution has been added, but to see where "water" is listed in the ingredients.

5. Store it properly
No food lasts forever – especially when it comes to cold cuts. While some of these products have natural or chemical preservatives to extend shelf life, packaged cold cuts once opened will only last 3 to 5 days. Cold cuts sliced fresh from the deli 1-3 days if stored properly. Be sure to use an airtight plastic bag to store them and put in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Freshness dating of processed meats is a voluntary program and not mandated by the federal government. However, if there is a date on the package, by law, it must state clearly what the date signifies:

"Sell by" date means nothing more than telling the store how long to display the product for sale. Never buy the product after this date.

"Best if used by" date means the flavor, taste, and quality of the product will be at its optimum before this date. It has nothing to do with freshness or safety.

"Use by" date means just that – don't consume the product after this date.

Info given by Phil Lempert!

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BLUEBERRY MUFFIN TOPS

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INGREDIENTS
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
1 1/4 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 EGGLAND’S BEST egg
1/3 cup milk
2 to 3 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries
DIRECTIONS

* 1Let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper. In small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of the flour, sugar and butter with fork until crumbly; set aside to use for topping. In another small bowl, mix remaining 1 cup flour, baking powder and baking soda; set aside.
* 2In medium bowl, beat dough and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. On low speed, beat in egg, milk, lemon peel and lemon juice until well blended. Stir in flour mixture just until combined (do not overmix; mixture will be a thick batter). Carefully fold in blueberries. (If using thawed berries, rinse and pat dry with paper towel before adding.)
* 3Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls 1 to 2 inches apart onto cookie sheets, using rubber spatula to scrape batter from tablespoon. Bake 3 minutes; remove from oven. Sprinkle each muffin top with about 1 teaspoon crumb topping; immediately return to oven.
* 4Bake 16 to 20 minutes longer or just until edges begin to brown. Cool on cookie sheets 2 to 3 minutes before removing to cooling racks. Serve warm or cool.
Recipe found here.

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Old Navy 20% off Online

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You can Save 20% online at Old Navy today through September 30th with code ONSAVE20.  Get Free Shipping on order of $75 or more.  Lot's of really inexpensive items!



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32" LCD HDTV with USB Port for Music and Photo Playback

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If you are in the market for a new television at a great price, then head to Cowboom, a Best Buy Company, today before this one sells out.  Today you can get a Vizio 32" LCD HDTV with SRS TruSurround and USB port for music and photo playback.  Today you can pick this great television up at Cowboom for only $324.99 and get free shipping.





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25% off at Banana Republic On Line Only

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Today is the last day of Birthday Celebration Deals for Banana Republic.com (they have been online 12 years this week) - Save 25% using code BRGIFT or 30% if you use your Banana Republic, Gap, or Old Navy Credit Card and the code today only, online only.


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Kroger: Free Iams Dog Food

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Memphis Mommy reader left in Chat Box that they went to Kroger and got FREE Iams Dog Food!

8lb Iams Dog Food $6.49
(2) $5/1 Catalina Coupon for Iams
-used $3/1 eCoupon from ePGSaver
Final Price, FREE

Thanks for sharing!  That totally ROCKS!


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Retail Coupons For Your Weekend Shopping

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.Here are coupons and deals for your weekend shopping:

Top Coupons

 Complete List:
Happy Shopping!

Thanks Helping the Mommas for putting this list together!



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Chance to WIN FREE Movie Tickets

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Play the trivia game here for a chance to win FREE movie tickets! A total of twenty thousand (20,000) Instant Win Prizes (1,000 per day) are available to be awarded, so the potential to win is pretty high! Each confirmed and verified instant win prize winner will receive one e-Movie Cash Certificate, valid for up to $12! All e-Movie Cash Certificates are valid at a network of participating theaters and can be applied towards any movie of the consumer’s choice. For a list of participating theatres, visit http://emoviecash.com/locator/.
 
Let us know if you win!

Thanks, Mojo Savings!


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4 Pack of Jumbo Checkers $13.99 (Originally $79.96)

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Perfect for the Kids, Grand Kids, Nieces & Nephews. 


Get 4 Jumbo Checker Games HERE for one great low price!


  • 28" x 28" Jumbo Checker Game

  • 3" diameter checker pieces

  • Machine Washable

  • Carry case included

  • *Checker game may contain licensed college logo on the back of the board Packaging: 4 individually retail packaged with upc. May contain college logo (most likely Florida State).

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    Groupon: Half Off Deals on Maternity Clothes, Photo Books, Fitness and More

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    It's crazy to already think about it, but the Number One New Year's Solution is right around the corner...to loose weight.  Today's Groupon may help you out!

    -Memphis: $29 for One Month of Sunrise Workouts, Including Cardio and Weights, from HollyWould Fitness ($60 Value)

    * HOT * Nationwide Deals (good to use no matter where you live!)

    Here are some of the other hot deals on Groupon in select cities throughout the nation (that are good to use no matter where you live) (be sure to change the city under the "Visit More Cities" tab and select the city the deal is in):

    - Bakersfield: $40 for $100 Worth of Memory Preservation from ScanDigital Photo and Video Digitization

    - Boston (check on sidebar): $20 for $40 Worth of Gourmet Gift Baskets and More from igourmet.com

    - Cincinnati: $59 for Two Rooms of Carpet Cleaning and Two Rooms of Protectant Application from Oxi Fresh ($118 Value)

    - Cincinnati (check on sidebar): $7 for One 8" Mum Pot Delivered to Your Home from BidMyCrib.com

    - North Jersey (check on sidebar): $20 for $40 Worth of Personalized Paper Products and Invitations from Between the Sheets Co.

    - Pittburghs: $25 for $100 Worth of Photo Books at Picaboo

    - Queens: $15 for $30 Worth of Customizable Skins for Smart Phones, iPhones, iPods, Laptops, eReaders, and More from GelaSkins

    - Rochester: $35 for a "Big Wall Graphic" Panoramic Wall Mural from LTL Prints ($84 Value)

    - San Diego (check on sidebar): $10 for $25 Worth of Eco-Friendly Reusable Bags and More at Xoopii

    - San Jose (check on sidebar): $15 for a Personalized Photo Lunchbox from Photo Lunchboxes ($30 Value)

    - Spokane: $25 for $75 Worth of Wine from Wine Insiders' Online Store

    - Washington D.C.: $15 for $30 Worth of Customizable Skins for Smart Phones, iPhones, iPods, Laptops, eReaders, and More from GelaSkins

    - Wichita: $40 for $80 Worth of Custom Photo Canvas Printing from CanvasPop

    - Orange County (check on other city sidebars): $25 for $50 Worth of Maternity and Nursing Clothing from Belly Dance Maternity

    Remember, most of these deals are only valid today, so act fast if you like them!

    Thanks My Chicago Mommy!


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    TGI Friday's BOGO Entree

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    Earlier this year I told you about the Give Me More Stripes club you can sign up for at TGI Friday's.

    If you are already a member then check your email inbox for a great coupon. To help you celebrate Octoberfest they have sent a Buy One Entree Get One Free with the Purchase of an Appetizer. The coupon is good through October 2nd.

    Thanks My Springfield Mommy!

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    Fee Free at 100 National Parks this Weekend

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    Over 100 US National Parks are participating in Fee Free Days in honor of Public Lands Day, September 25th.  To make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessionaires are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors with their own special offers.


    Upcoming:  November 11th (Veterans Day).


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    Facebook: Oreo Double Stuff $1/1 Coupon

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    Head over to Oreo Facebook Page for $1.00 off Oreo Double Stuff Heads or Tails.  They were seen at one Walmart on Roll Back for ONLY $1.89, making them $.89 after coupon.  Print your two copies per computer to get this yummy and great deal!  Everyone is a winner in the twist game and will get a $1.00 off coupon!  My kids love these cookies!

    Thanks My Military Mommy
     

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    Family Fun Magazine Year Subscription for $3.73

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    Family Fun is a family's guide for getting maximum enjoyment from family life. Designed for parents of children ages 3-12, each issue features articles which provide ideas for recreational activities for the home or car, craft ideas and educational toys which can be used at home. Family Fun has a goal for parents and that is to enhance the time spent with their children. Each issue will explore learning activities, vacation planning, travel tips and reviews of children's books, videos and music.  

    Purchasing this magazine entitles you to 1 free gifts.  Take a extra 15% off most titles with code:  PXCJ926.
     


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    Family Dollar: $5 off $25 Coupon

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    Go to the Family Dollar Facebook page to get a coupon for $5 off of your $25 purchase! These coupons are great and can add up to big savings!

    There are also many more coupons available on the Family Dollar website! 

    Thanks Tiffany!

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