Kaley, Author at Cha-Ching on a Shoestring™

Simple Valentine Decorations: Two Easy DIY Banners

February 4th, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Every year when I turn my calendar to February, it seems that I have just put away my Christmas decorations. And I have to build up enthusiasm to start decorating–yet again–for Valentine’s Day.

But then I start having visions of hearts and candy and red and pink, and I just can’t help myself.

This year I thought that a banner would look lovely on my bookshelf. I decided to go with a red and black theme, and a quick search through my paper stash unveiled all sorts of appropriate scraps of paper.

But it didn’t stop there–I had so much fun with the first, I couldn’t resist trying another. I decided to make the second one a bit more whimsical, and I think it turned out as cute as could be.

Check out this video, and I think you might catch the Valentine-Banner Bug too:

February in upstate New York is cold and dark; yup, cold and dark. Don’t you think that my banners add a nice touch of warmth to my home?

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For those of you who haven’t met her, the Dollar Store Diva happens to be my Mom who has a special power. She can transform Dollar Store and other inexpensive finds into super fun gifts and crafts that would brighten anyone’s day! Check out more from her here.

10 Highly Rated Children’s Books under $10 for Valentine’s Day

February 2nd, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Children's-Books-Under-$10-Valentine's-Day

I’m bringing back this popular post to inspire some thoughtful gift ideas this Valentine’s Day!

Is there a sweeter gift to give a child for Valentine’s Day than a meaningful children’s picture book you can enjoy together over and over through the years?

Here are 10 children’s books perfect for Valentine’s Day – all with five star ratings and all under $10 from Amazon. These would make super gifts for your little Valentines – near and far. I also love these as Valentine’s Gift Ideas for grandparents!

Do you have any others to add to this list?

Children’s Books Under $10 for Valentine’s Day

1. I Love you Through and Through

A rhyming story of unconditional love and adorable illustrations of a toddler and a teddy bear who declare “I love you through and through!”

I love you stinky face

2. I Love You, Stinky Face

Mothers love their children and this unconditional love is truly tested in I LOVE YOU, STINKY FACE. Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore beautifully weave a reassuring tale of the love and affection of a parent.

3. We Belong Together

An ode to all the pairs that go together as perfectly as a parent and their child, this adorable board book is the perfect companion and follow-up title to YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE.

The Giant Hug

4. The Giant Hug

How do you give your granny a hug when she lives far away? Send it through the mail, of course! Owen’s hug travels across the country in a series of hilarious, sometimes awkward, always heartfelt embraces between animals of different shapes and sizes.

5. I Love You: A Keepsake Storybook Collection

The 5 bestselling picture books included in this treasury will delight mothers and children alike. Including I Love You Because You’re You by Liza Baker, illustrated by David McPhail; I Love You, Too! by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Melissa Sweet; I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, illustrated by Cyd Moore;

6. I Love You So…

I Love You So… puts into words the often indescribable quality of boundless, steady, and unconditional love. This comforting story embraces the reader like a warm hug and gently reassures a child that love is for always-despite the grouchy moods or physical separation.

7. Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart

Mystery is in the air when Nancy receives a valentine from a secret someone. Join Nancy as she follows the clues to find out who it is-all in her trademark fabulous style, of course. Gorgeous stickers included!

won't you be my kissaroo

8. Won’t You Be My Kissaroo?

These much-loved companion picture books that celebrate all the kissable and huggable moments between little ones and their grown-ups are now available as an adorable board book duo. Joanne Ryder’s playful rhymes pair perfectly with Melissa Sweet’s whimsical illustrations, making these just right for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or any sweet celebration.

wherever you are

9. Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You

If love could take shape it might look something like these heartfelt words and images from the inimitable Nancy Tillman. Here is a book to share with your loved ones, no matter how near or far, young or old, they are.

somebody loves you mr. hatch

10. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. “Somebody loves you,” the note says.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room. “Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town. “But who,” Mr. Hatch wonders, “could that somebody be?”
After some time, Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is and, in doing so, enjoys the biggest surprise of his life!

Looking for more Valentine’s Gift Ideas Under $10? Click here.

Remember – Amazon prices change frequently and without notice. Please verify that these prices haven’t changed before purchasing.

Easy and Delicious Southwestern White Chicken Chili Recipe

January 31st, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Remember the good ol’ days when we actually used those dusty things sitting on our kitchen shelves called cookbooks? We would flip through the pages, glancing through the lists of ingredients and directions, guessing which recipes might be worthy of their very own slot in our menu plans. Without pictures or comments to guide our decision, it was a shot in the dark as whether or not a recipe would be a winner.

But THEN, when we did finally stumble on a delicious recipe, we’d grab a pen and scribble a little note in the column in an effort to remember our favorites. Notes like “Really good. Needs more salt.” or “During a snowstorm. Double the broth.” helped guide our future cooking endeavors during the pre-Pinterest era.

According to the note in the sidebar of my Better Homes and Gardens Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes cookbook, I decided to give the Southwestern White Chili recipe on page 125 a try in October of 2008, during the earlier days of my life as a homemaker. Scribbled in the sidebar of the now lovingly smudged page is the gold star of approval: “Soooooo Delicious!”

Since that time, I have returned to page 125 for many a snow day, football game party or simple family dinner. This recipe has never let me down. Without fail, friends and family ask for the recipe each time I serve it. It’s such a delightful alternative to regular chili and yet for some reason, it doesn’t get nearly as much recognition. It’s time to change that.

I also love that this dish can be prepped in about 10 minutes time once the chicken is cooked and shredded.

Note: To save even more time, this is where my secret to cutting meal prep in half with my KithenAid Mixer will come in handy.

In fact, you might want to go ahead and prep some chicken right now for future Southwestern White Chili endeavors then pop it in the freezer. I’ll wait.

When your chicken is prepped, grab your ingredients, throw them all together into the slow cooker and your work is done.

For some reason the garlic never made it into this picture.

Just promise me you won’t forget the garlic for the actual recipe, ok?

And since you can’t scribble a note in the cookbook for this recipe, feel free to jot one in the comments below. I’d love to know if you and family think this recipe is Sooooo delicious too!

Easy and Delicious Southwestern White Chicken Chili Recipe

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes

Ingredients

1 cup chopped onion
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
3 15 1/2-ounce cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream

Instructions

Place the onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, red pepper, beans, chicken broth and cooked chicken in a 3 1/2 to 6 quart crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with cheese and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread.

https://chachingonashoestring.com/2017/01/31/southwestern-white-chicken-chili-recipe/

Restaurant.com: $25 Gift Certificates for $2! (Limited Time)

January 30th, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Through Tuesday (1/31), Restaurant.com is offering $25 gift certificates for only $2 when you enter code LOVE at check-out. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!*

If you have never used Restaurant.com, it is a great way to save money on thousands of restaurants across the nation. Most restaurants require you to purchase a certain dollar amount of food or a certain number of entrees in order to use the certificate. I still consider it a great deal. Plus, the gift certificates do not expire, so you can buy now to save on future restaurant visits.

Click here to find out what restaurants are available in your area.

*Note: Please be sure to read the fine print to find out if your certificate is valid on Valentine’s Day. If you are anything like me, you do your best to avoid the crowds on February 14 anyway though!

Introducing a New Feature: The Best K-Cup Deals on Amazon

January 30th, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

The Best Deals on K-Cups

I am excited to announce a new feature here on Cha-Ching on a Shoestring: the best deals on K-Cups on Amazon! Each week, my team and I will help you score the lowest prices on all your K-Cup needs: Coffee, Decaf, Tea and even Hot Chocolate. The only thing better than a mug of your favorite beverage is knowing you bought it on the cheap!

Click here to check out the roundup and then check back weekly for the latest deals.

Remedy for Those Winter Blues: Thomas Jefferson Hot Chocolate Recipe

January 23rd, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Recently my sister Lois introduced me to what she claimed was the most delicious hot chocolate ever: Thomas Jefferson Hot Chocolate. “Say what?!” I exclaimed. “What in the world is Thomas Jefferson Hot Chocolate?!” She confessed that she had no idea where it got its name, but that it was extremely yummy and that I must try it.

A quick google search led to a recipe, along with this fascinating reason why it is called Thomas Jefferson’s Hot Chocolate: “Thomas Jefferson once wrote to his pal John Adams and predicted that hot chocolate would surpass coffee and tea to become the favored beverage of Americans.”

Well, Thomas Jefferson, your prediction wasn’t completely accurate; maybe hot chocolate hasn’t become the favored American beverage, but most certainly it is near the top of the list.

Thomas Jefferson’s Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/2 oz. Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

1/2 cup cold water

A pinch of salt

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the chocolate and water and cook over medium heat; cook until the mixture is smooth and thick, whisking out any lumps.

2. Add the salt and sugar and continue cooking and whisking for 4 to 5 minutes

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

4. In a chilled bowl, whip the cream and vanilla together, then stir it into the cooled chocolate mixture.

5. Transfer to a quart container (a canning jar works well) and store in the refrigerator. [Check the expiration date on the heavy cream to know how long the chocolate base will last in the refrigerator.]

And now the moment we’ve all been waiting for:

This final step is all about personal preference. I suggest adding two heaping tablespoons of the chocolate base to one cup of hot milk. Take a sip. If it’s not enough, experiment until you achieve your personal chocolatey perfection. [My son-in-law prefers four–yup, four–heaping tablespoons.] Whisk until smooth, then savor every frothy sip.

And there you have it; such a lovely remedy for a cold winter day.

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For those of you who haven’t met her, the Dollar Store Diva happens to be my Mom who has a special power. She can transform Dollar Store and other inexpensive finds into super fun gifts, crafts and recipes that would brighten anyone’s day! Check out more from her here.

Swagbucks: Swag Slopes Team Challenge!

January 20th, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

Here’s another fun team challenge to help you earn SB from Swagbucks!

Swagbucks wants you to join in the fun! Pack your warmest snow gear and pre-register today! The Swag Slopes Team Challenge begins Monday, January 23rd.

All members who participate and contribute at least 400 points to their team’s total will receive a SB bonus in the form of a SB Swag Up Rebate! Members of the 1st place team will receive a 50 SB Swag Up Rebate, members of the 2nd place team will receive a 25 SB Swag Up Rebate, members of the 3rd place team will receive a 10 SB Swag Up Rebate. Swag Up Rebate will be made available by 5pm PT on Friday, January 27th and will expire on Sunday, February 12th at 11:59pm PT.

New to Swagbucks and want to join me in earning free gift cards every month? Sign up here for your free account. Be sure to use my exclusive code CHACHING70 to start off with 70 FREE SB! (Just click on the words, “I have a sign up code.”) Then get started earning free $3 – $50 Gift Cards or PayPal cash by taking surveys, searching the web, watching videos, or shopping online.

Click here to find out how to earn a FREE $25 Amazon gift card every month with Swagbucks!

Swagbucks: Earn Bonus SB with Swago!

January 16th, 2017 By Kaley
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click and make a purchase.

It’s time for you to unwrap your SB bonus this holiday season courtesy of Swagbucks. This month’s Winter-themed Swago board offers a possible 300 SB ($3) Bonus!

What is SWAGO you ask? It’s a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. When you complete a task, watch that square change colors. You can then redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you’ve never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great way to learn how to use the site, and it’s a lot of fun!

Here’s what you need to know to get your 300 SB Bonus:

Swago will begin on Monday, January 16th at 9:01am PDT/12:01pm EDT, make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete.
Once you complete the action item in a particular square the square will change color signifying the action item is complete.
You have a limited amount of time to mark off as many squares as possible so use your time wisely.
Be mindful of the patterns and their corresponding bonuses located on the right of your Swago Board. The patterns will vary in difficulty and bonus value.
Once you’ve achieved a pattern the corresponding “Submit” button will light up. You can have multiple patterns available for submission, however, you can only submit ONE pattern so choose wisely.
The game ends Monday, January 23rd at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT. So make sure to hit “Submit” on the pattern you wish to submit. If you don’t hit “Submit” before the game ends you won’t receive your SB bonus.

Click here to find out how to earn a FREE $25 Amazon gift card every month with Swagbucks!