Don't know what to make for dinner?... There's an app for that!

I remember my first cell phone. It was the size of a box of spaghetti, had one ringtone (that was obnoxious) and lost signal if I so much as sneezed. It made calls... and received calls. That was it. I've come a long way since then, having recently purchased my very first smartphone (or should I say smart-er than me- phone). This thing blows my mind. I was impressed with the browser, amazed by the Navigation system (I couldn't find my way out of  a paper bag), and excited with the free TV channels Sprint offered me. But when I found out that I could get coupons, right on my phone, I fell in love with Android! Over the next few weeks, I will post some reviews of great money and time saving apps that I have tried out. These will all be free apps, as we are all on a tight budget.

Up first is DinnerSpinner by Allrecipes.com
I love Allrecipes.com and use the site as my go-to for meal planning. The app takes the highlights of the website and turns them into an easy to use app that is pretty fun to use. The opening screen has three categories of choices: Dish, Ingredient and Ready In.

First, you select the dish, such as Breakfast, Appetizer, Desert or Main Course. Second, select your main ingredient and lastly, how long you have to prepare the meal. I love the slow-cooker option. Then, you hit the spinner button and the app will find the recipes that match your criteria.
Don't know what you want to make? Just give your phone a shake and DinnerSpinner will randomly spin the three categories for you.

The recipes can be sorted, just like the website, by relevance, rating, title or popularity. The full recipe and instructions are right on the app, and once you select a recipe, you can view the calories and some user ratings. There is a button at the bottom that links to the website and allows you to view the recipe there if you want.

To get this app, you can do a search on the android market or simply scan the QR Code at the bottom of this post.

*The free version contains some ads but they are unobtrusive and usually appear during loading times.

Happy National Coffee Day!!

Today is National Coffee Day and so far, I have celebrated with a full pot. Those who know me, know this particular holiday is close to my heart. We take our coffee pretty seriously in my family. In honor of the day, many places are offering free coffee. Rumor has it that McDonald's is offering a free cup of joe, as well as 7-11 stores and Krispy Kreme stores. Dunkin' Donuts is offering a discounted rate of 50 cents a cup. Know of any more deals?

Free Resources for Losing Weight

When trying to lose weight, it seems that everything is expensive. Healthy foods cripple your grocery budget, diet programs cost money, gym fees and exercise equipment add up. Though your continued good health will insure you savings on health care, not to mention add years to your life, these expenses can wear on your wallet. Take advantage of any money saving resources you can find.

Free Weight Loss is a website that provides tips, articles and tools for anyone trying to lose weight. It also provides information on how to save money on the things you do need to purchase.
LiveStrong.com is an amazing website that provides health and fitness information and provides some super tools, like a walking plan tracker that allows you to input your daily walk and calculate distance and calories burned. It also has a planner that allows you to track your meals, their calories and all of your activities. I like it because it even includes things like if you were pushing a baby stroller while you walked or to count the calories burned while throwing a pot on the pottery wheel. Awesome site!!
Cardio Trainer is a free App for Android users that allows you to track your fitness regimen by exercising with your phone. It tracks your progress and gives you updates on how long you have exercised, tracks your walks/runs/bike trips and allows you to post your progress on facebook. It also lets you listen to music while you work out.
Sporty Pal is a great tool for runners, bikers and hikers. It includes a GPS tracker that allows you to see how far you've traveled and store your routes for later use.

Facebook: Your window to Hectic Domestic

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hectic-Domestic/177685175614718

Freebie listings have been way down lately and those I find expire quickly. So, I have been posting all the good ones on our Facebook page. This helps me cut down on broken links, which make Google angry, which makes us harder to find on the web. To make sure you get your free stuff, just "like" us on facebook and we'll bring the good stuff to you!

Sew Your Own Reusable Shopping Totes

While we are out saving money, many of us like to do our part to save the planet also by keeping re-usable shopping bags. While the ones in the supermarket are cheap and handy, sometimes a girl just wants a little pizazz.
Head on over to Sew4home for a tutorial on a homemade insulated tote. Or visit PrudentBaby for a simple oil cloth bag tutorial.

Outdoor Projects That Can Save You Money

 Summer is the time for sprucing up the yard and spending time outdoors. But all those projects add up to a lot of money. I found these do-it-yourself tutorials that use inexpensive supplies to keep your hands busy, your patio sparkly and your wallet... well, at least not empty.

Visit Sugar Bee Crafts for a simple tutorial on how to refurbish those knarly looking old patio chairs you've been hanging on to.
Create your own Backyard Fire Pit with HGTV. Seems easy to do and inexpensive.
Turn an old lamp globe into a Stylish Bird Feeder with Design Sponge.

My Favorite Magazine

You may have heard me mention All You magazine before, as it is filled with coupons. It is a good bargain. It has lots of money saving tips and articles as well as clipable coupons inside. Here is a link to their limited time sale on subscriptions. You can get it for only $1.66 per issue. Use just a few of the coupons inside and you end up paying for your magazine.

Mastering Mail-in Rebates

One of my favorite websites is AllYou.com, an extension of my favorite magazine. While searching the site for money saving tips, I ran across an article on how to make use of those mail-in rebates. I have never been comfortable with them. I am always skeptical about getting my money back. The writers at AllYou show how to master the art of the rebate. Click Here for their simple guide.

Super Cool Drink Recipe

Kool-Aid Smoothies!

The folks over at Kraft Foods always have fun kid's food ideas. Today, they posted these cool smoothies. Of course, I'm sure the adults won't be able to resist them either. They look really easy to make and have substitute recipes for healthier alternatives. What a colorful way to cool down this summer!

Kory's Delicious Apple Brown Sugar Meatloaf

My friend Kory Amyx recently created this fabulous recipe and he was gracious enough to share it with us. Give it a try and let him know what you think. 

Kory's Delicious Apple, Brown Sugar Meatloaf

1. Mix ground beef & ground pork with 1 cup of cinamon applesauce per pound of meatloaf. 
2. Dice up 1 apple per pound of meatloaf and mix in along with 1/2 cup of brown sugar per pound of meatloaf. 
3. For glaze topping mix two tablespoons of Di'jon Mustard with 1 cup of brown sugar, add water and mix til you get a thick glaze. 
4. Cut thin slices of apples and place on top of meatloaf. 
5. Put meatloaf in oven until it's 160 degrees through. Once you reach an internal temp. of 160 degrees, pour glaze on top of meatloaf and place back in oven for 10 minutes. Cool & serve.

The Mother of All Free Stuff Lists

Please enjoy this humongous list of free stuff. All of these were active and working as of 7pm on 6/18. I have received several of these samples and signed up for many more. I hope you all get a bunch of great free stuff.



Free sample of Prilosec OTC

Free sample of Frizz-Ease Smooth Start repairing shampoo & conditioner from John Frieda

Free Sunmaid Recipe Book

Free Member's Mark baby formula

Free Shout Color Catcher sample

Free $5 Walmart gift card w/ purchase of two Jergens natural glow products

Free sample of Miracle Whip


Eucerin Lotion sample

Beech Nut starter kit freebie

Free Arby's Roast Beef sandwich

Free o.b. sample pack with case

Free Sample of Dove Intensive Repair + $1 off coupon to print

Soooo Sweet Stevia Sweetener sample (say that five times fast)

Free sample of Lactaid

Sweet & Salty ZonePerfect® Bar

Free pint of Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT paint (have printer ready)

Sunmaid Healthier Eating Cookbook for free

Playtex sports wipes sample and coupon

Fiber Choice free sample and coupon

Free Gas-X strips and coupon

Emergen-C sample

Free Emeril's seasoning packet

John Freida free sample

Free MiraLAX

Free CH fragrance sample

Free Flix Dental Sticks

Free Jiffy recipe book

Free coupon book from Home Made Simple (dawn, febreze, Mr. Clean, swiffer)

Natural Nibbles dog treats

Free Bayer Aspirin

You.T cranberry health drink sample

Digital Cookbook from Betty Crocker: Soups

Locoste perfume sample

Free Workout music from Biggest Loser and Subway

Free Avon Sunscreen sample (scroll down)

Parent's Choice Baby Wipes

Free iTunes country music sampler

Free Glasses!!!

Free Garment bag (close out pop-up ad that follows: Do not complete new offer)

Free sample of Tub O' Towels

More free country music downloads

Saving Money at The Dollar Tree

While The Dollar Tree is known for selling a whole lot of cheap junk, there are many quality things to be found in its isles. In their circular this week, there are quite a few great finds.

*Sunscreen- even at Walmart, sunscreen is $5-10
*Metal re-usable water bottles- the same ones are $5-7 at Walmart
*Party supplies- $3-5 at other stores
*Name brand cleaning supplies
*Flip flops and ball caps

You can also order from a large online catalog and have stuff shipped free to your local store. This is the best way to get the largest selection. You don't have to worry if your local store has your item in stock.

Take College Classes for Free

Take college classes for free online at Academic Earth. Video courses are taught by real college professors from top schools. There are a lot of categories. There are also links to classes to take for college credit but these are pay courses. They are, however, much cheaper than traditional college classes.

Coupons and Free Stuff

6/5 coupon- Seattles Best Coffee FREE Single Can

Wal-mart Deals
John Frieda Full Repair Styler -$5 coupon from 6/5 circular, Walmart price $5.97= $.97
Nivea Body Wash for Men -$2 coupon from 6/5, Walmart price $3= $1

CVS Deals
Colgate MaxClean, Smartfoam, MaxFresh, MaxWhite 6 oz Toothpaste, final price is FREE after $2 Extra Bucks Reward and cpn from May All You Magazine
Excedrin Extra Strength, PM, or Migraine 8ct, FREE after $.99 Extra Bucks Reward
Crest Pro Health Rinse 1 liter, Free after $2.50 Extra Bucks Reward and coupon from 6/5 circular
Colgate 360 Surround Toothbrush 1ct, final price is 4 cents after $2 Extra Bucks Reward and 6/5 coupon from circular

Kroger Deals
Transfer a prescription, get $25 in groceries FREE!

Save Money with Coupons at Walmart

The best of this week's Walmart deals. Use your coupons to get free stuff and great bargains.

05-15 Circular $1 off coupon,Sensodyne ProNamel (travel size) .97 Walmart price =FREE
05-15 Circular $1 off coupon,Pert Plus 2in1 Shampoo (travel size) .97 Walmart price =FREE
Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste (travel size), printable coupon from Manuf. website,=FREE
05-22 Circular $.75 off coupon,Degree Mens/Womens Deodorant (travel size) .97 Walmart price =.22
05-15 Circular $1 off coupon,Huggies Pull Ups Flushable Moist Wipes 42 ct 1.64 Walmart price =.64

Recipe for a simple meal for bbq or campout

The time for barbeques, cookouts and camping is upon us and there is nothing my family likes to do more than share a meal and some conversation around an open fire. One of my favorite summer meals is, oddly enough, a simple and easy dish to prepare. Known in our family as the "Hobo," it was first introduced to me by my father-in-law back in the days when Mike and I were still dating. It is still a regular family tradition and I have found a few new things to make the recipe my own.

Recipe for Hobos

You will need: (the basics)

Aluminum foil, hamburger, potatoes, carrots, onions, seasonings

1. Start with sheets of aluminum foil... one for each helping.

2. Next comes the hamburger. Season this to taste, however your like yours prepared. We like McCormick Chicago Steak Seasoning. Give it a try, I think you'll love it as much as we do! Make a small loaf for each serving and lay atop the foil pieces.

3. Peel and dice potatoes, carrots and onions. Any size you like but not too small or they will over-cook. Add these to foil.

4. Fold the filled foil sheets into packets. Start by folding two sides over and then roll the remaining sides in.

5. Cook slowly in a grill, or next to banked coals on an open fire. You can also cook them on top of a rack over a fire pit. Make sure they are not IN the fire, or they will burn on the edges.

Options

Use ground sausage, potatoes, and onions for breakfast hobos

Use turkey burger, carrots, mushrooms and asparagus for low-fat version

Use all veggies for a tasty, vegitarian alternative

Step-by-Step Homemade Laundry Soap Instructions

When I posted the recipe for homemade laundry soap a few weeks ago, many of you were interested but felt it might be too complicated to do. To prove to you all how easy it is (and in honor of Mother's Day) my mom generously offered to demonstrate the process for everyone. Thanks goes to Nana, a fellow Hectic Domestic, who uses this soap exclusively and does her laundry for only 2 cents a load!

These are the ingredients we need:

1 bar Fels-Naptha soap (If you can't find this, homemade bar soap will do)

1 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda

1/2 cup Borax

Step One: Grate the bar soap to a fine crumble. The smaller, the better. 

Step Three: Add 4 cups of water

Step Four: Heat on medium, stirring until melted

Step Five: Add to a 5 gallon bucket with remaining ingredients and stir until dissolved

Step Six: Fill Bucket 1/2 full with water and stir again (Nana tip: Add a squirt of Dawn dish soap to mix for grease fighting power!)

Step Seven: Fill Almost full and stir again. Let sit overnight.

Stir well and bottle it up! You may dilute with water as much as you want, up to half/half.  Use a regular cap-full of soap for each load.

Woohoo more free Old Navy stuff!

As many of you are aware, I have been participating on a little site called Crowdtap for some time now. While you can earn a few bucks doing tasks on the site, the best opportunity lies in the campaigns. When you are chosen for a campaign, you receive free products to try out and rate. And Crowdtap sends out some pretty nice stuff! My first campaign was for the Old Navy Style Council. Myself and three friends each received a free pair of ON ankle jeans to try! We got the coupons in the mail, redeemed them at the store and walked away with four pairs of cute new jeans. Well, they are at it again... this time with a free pair of Athletic pants from Old Navy. Be sure to sign up quickly so you can apply for this campaign. Good luck!

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee....soap!

Happy Sunday Hectic Domestics! In true hectic style, I am bogged down for finals week at school. Going to college is crazy hard when you are a mom! So, today I am sharing a link I found for COFFEE soap that you make in an old crackpot. Looks all yucky 'till it's done, but I bet it smells wonderful! So, have a little visit with fellow blogger Hearts, Hands, Home and see how this nifty soap is made.

Save money with a couponing toolbox

Bargain Boot Camp

In the early days of my marriage, I started what I affectionately refer to as "The man box." It was a place where I could put all the cords, fishing tackle, tools and other various man things that I found while tidying up. Thirteen years later, there is a whole lot more tools laying around the house but the "man box" remains as a savior to both my sanity and my husbands treasures.
One of the most important things every good bargain hunter needs is a place to collect all your stuff. Each of us operates on a different level of keep-it-togetherness and so, we will each have our own method of organization. One of my favorite bargaining babes is Coupon Mom. On her site, she teaches an organizing method that eliminates unnecessary coupon clipping and grocery circular saving. That lady is truly amazing and I often visit her site to check out where to find the best deals.
I myself, am not nearly as together, so I use a kitchen drawer to keep all my bargain getting stuff in. So, whether you use a complex filing system, an online helper or a big 'ol box to store your stuff in, here is a list of the top tools you should have inside.

1. Store loyalty cards- These are an excellent resource for getting the best deals. Not only do you need them to get the sale prices at some stores, but they often offer rewards programs.

2. Coupon file folder or envelope for your purse or car- I keep coupons here that are for products that aren't normally on my shopping list. That way, if I catch them on sale or clearance, I have my coupons handy. I once got Panteen shampoo for free and men's Old Spice body wash for -$4. That's right... they paid me $4 to take two bottles of it!

3. Separate junk email account- This is a life saver. A lot of my best freebies come from sites that require me to sign up with my email address. Now, my in-box overfloweth. To avoid having this happen to you, sign up for a free email account like yahoo mail or gmail that you use JUST to sign up for offers.

4. Notebook- I like to keep a notebook to write down all the websites I find, as well as usernames and passwords for my online coupon sources and sweepstakes programs. I can't tell you how frustrating it is when something happens to your favorite's list on your browser and you have lost all your treasured links.

5. A printer and ink- This is vital to all bargain hunters. A lot of the most valuable coupons are printable ones. When you stumble across a high value coupon (often coupons for free stuff), you want to be sure that you can print them out.

I hope this helps everyone get started and get in the mood for the upcoming posts. I will be sharing some of my favorite places to find cheap/free goodies and more tips on finding and using coupons. Stay tuned...

Bargain Boot Camp

For the next few weeks, Hectic Domestic is hosting Bargain Boot Camp. I will be posting tips and tricks on how to find and get the best bargains on the stuff you buy every month. We've all heard stories about the lady who gets $300 worth of groceries for $10, but that gal seems to have way more time on her hands than I do. But there are some things we can do that take very little time and can save us a lot of money. A friend of mine recently used just a few of the tips I had given her, added a little of her own sweat to the project and got $300 worth of groceries for $100. That's $200 for about an hours worth of work. Pretty good payday, don't you think? Boot Camp will begin this afternoon. Be sure to like us on Facebook for instant notification of new posts, and don't forget to tell your friends :)

Yummy French Fry Soup

One of my husband's favorite meals is potato soup. After sampling O'Charley's version, he tasked me with re-creating it so we could enjoy it at home. After many attempts, I finally struck on the perfect blend of ingredients. We love to make this quick and easy soup and it is a big hit with guests.

French Fry Soup

Two cans of Campbel's Cheddar Soup

Three soup cans of milk

One bag shoestring french fries (generic brand works better)

Garlic powder and black pepper

2/3 bag/jar of real bacon bits (not the crunchy kind)

Heat on medium until french fries are warmed through

Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese of your choice and remaining bacon bits

Best Handmade Laundry Soap

Laundry soap seems to take up a big portion of my grocery budget. Since my budget is getting smaller and prices are getting higher, the women in my family have started making our own laundry soap. After trying out several different recipes, we all agree that the one used by the Duggar family is the best.

Laundry Soap

Grate 1 bar Fels Naptha Soap into 4 cups hot water

Boil in old pan, stirring until melted

Add mixture to a 5 gallon bucketAdd 1 cup washing soda

and 1/2 cup borax                                                     

Stir until dissolved and fill 1/2 full of water, stir                                                    

Fill the rest of the way, put on lid and let sit overnight.                                                    

Welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to the first post of Hectic Domestic! If you wish for domestic bliss, a clean house, a balanced budget, happy family and smooth schedule but often find yourself with a life that's more realistic than idealistic... This is the place for you. Domestic doesn't have to mean perfect. You can find balance and enjoy yourself, especially with the help of your friend, the Hectic Domestic. So, worry about those dirty dishes later. Set some hamburger out to thaw and spend some time browsing here. I hope to be posting some wonderful things soon like tips on couponing, crafty tidbits, new product reviews and fun things I find around the net. Hope to see you around.

Jessica