This is an updated repost from last year about how I do a Beckee's Deals Family Thanksgiving! Just wanted to post it before I post the Thanksgiving price Match post later today or tomorrow morning!
I have to admit something...I am NOT a frugal Thanksgiving cook. I, in fact, go a bit crazy for Thanksgiving, even when I am just cooking for my family of 7 (2 adults, 4 kids ages 3-8 and a baby that will eat very very little). But, over the last 2 years, while I have been cooking for our family and friends on a budget, I have tried to cut down a bit. Just so you know where I am coming from, let me tell you that in the past, I have taken my mom's Thanksgiving menu and made it all plus a few additions I have added along the years (keep in mind ALL items are made from scratch including the cranberry sauce). So, (prepare for overload and shock) here is my mom's menu Plus my additions (I will denote those with *):

• Turkey
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sage "American" Stuffing/dressing
• "Greek" Dressing
• Cranberry Dressing
• Cranberry sauce
• Orange-Cranberry Relish/Sauce
• Gravy
• XiaXia's Rolls
• Yams/Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
• Ambrosia
• Jello Salad
• Olive/Pickle/cheese appetizer tray
• Cheese Ball with crackers
• Hot Apple Cider
• Christmas Pudding
• Cranberry Cookies
• Pies-1-2 Pumpkin, the whatever else I feel up to making (Apple, Cherry, cream pies, mince meat)
• Pecan Pie*
• Ham/pickle/cream cheese roll ups*
• Green Bean Casserole*

Ok-I realize that for a family of 7 this is a bit crazy, but I feel like it is not much of a holiday if I am missing anything. However, I am realistic, so I have cut it down a bit, and there are a few things I no longer do from scratch.  So here is the menu as I have streamlined it over the years and which items I no longer make from scratch.  Also, some of the items I make throughout the weeks before and after instead of all on one day (like the desserts).  (Highlit items I still make. Bolded means I have cut it from the menu, and I will put comments next the the items):

• Turkey
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sage "American" Stuffing/dressing (I actually no longer make this from scratch though-we found that our little family likes Stove Top just as well and it is far easier!!)
• "Greek" Dressing (I actually LOVE this, but it is the hardest/most time consuming thing on the menu and I found I am usually the only one to eat it, so I cut it out-it also has expensive ingredients that are not as easy to find here in Omaha as they were to find growing up in Utah).
• Cranberry Dressing (I just cut down to 1 dressing)
• Cranberry sauce ( I just like the one with Orange better so I only make one)
• Orange-Cranberry Relish/Sauce
• Gravy
• XiaXia's Rolls (Admitedly I do not always do these from my XiaXia's recipe/from scratch. Sometimes I opt for pillsbury ones or premade to save time, but I always regret it!)
• Yams/Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
• Ambrosia (Yes I realize this is both Bolded and highlit-It remains on my menu, but sometimes I don't get to it or have room in the fridge, so it is an iffy one)
• Jello Salad (As with the Ambrosia, this one is one I often end up skipping, and when I do make it, I rarely make the full Jello salad recipe-often it ends up being just jello made by the kids, and that is perfect for our family!)
• Olive/Pickle/cheese appetizer tray (This one really depends on sale prices. I like to have it for people to snack on all day while we cook, but if these items do not go on a great sale leading up to the holiday, they are cut out!)
• Cheese Ball with crackers
• Christmas Pudding (I save this for Christmas if I make it at all-my family is not big fans)
• Cranberry Cookies  (I always make these but usually not right on Thanksgiving-it is part of the Thanksgiving week treats though)
• Pies-1-2 Pumpkin, then whatever else I feel up to making (Apple, Cherry, cream pies, mince meat)
• Pecan Pie*
• Ham/pickle/cream cheese roll ups*
• Green Bean Casserole*

Friends! I Love when I get to try out something new and useful! LOVE it!

I have sensitive skin and hate, HATE washing my face. I have the feeling of stuff on my face and I hate how it feels like I have a filmy layer on my skin left after I rinse off the cleaning agent. I also hate that my skin breaks out more often and gets more rashy when I use face wash.

So, I was a bit hesitant when I was asked to try out the Burt's Bees® Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin. But as you may know by now, I am always willing and HAPPY to try anything once! And I am glad I tried this! Let me tell you a bit about it straight from before I tell you Bzz Agent and Burt's Bees my thoughts.

What is it?

Burt's Bees® Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin is a new line of natural skin products distinctly formulated to cleanse and moisturize your vulnerable skin without causing redness or irritation.

Infused with the softening properties of Cotton, Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin replenishes skin in a way only nature can. Tap into the gentle power of natural ingredients, like Cotton, Rice, and Aloe, with clinically proven formulas to hydrate and help shield skin from potential irritants and help replenish skin's outer layer. And since these products are from Burt's Bees, you can be confident they work. After all, Burt's Bees has been creating the best in natural personal care products for over 25 years.

What did I think?

I was sent Facial Cleanser and Daily Moisturizer to try out and I liked it! This is the first time in years that I have tried a facial cleaner that I liked, It did NOT feel like a filmy mess after and it made my face look good. I was really happy with the result! I recommend trying it out.

***By way of Disclosure, I should say that I was given the above mentioned products and information from Bzz Agent and Burt's Bees. All opinions expressed are my own though!!***

Do you use CeraVe® skincare? Could you be CeraVe's biggest fan? If so , you will want to check this out!! Because CeraVe® is on a Nationwide Search to Find Its Biggest Fan!

CeraVe® Skincare has launched its first-ever online video contest challenging CeraVe® users to "Share their CeraVe Story and Win!”

AND the winner of the Biggest fan video contest will win a ONE YEAR SUPPLY of CeraVe®!! All you have to do is shoot a quick,one-minute video testimonial explaining why you are CeraVe’s BIGGEST Fan, then enter the contest here.

Each video will appear in an online gallery starting December 1st where anyone can vote on their favorites . In addition, the winner will have their testimonial appear as a top video on CeraVe’s YouTube Channel AND it could be featured in an upcoming CeraVe® national ad!

Haven't tried CeraVe® yet but think you MIGHT be their biggest fan if you tried it? Well, go to the CeraVe® website here and print out a coupon to try it out! You can also check for a location that sells CeraVe® on their website while you are there!

On a related note, look for an upcoming review and giveaway of CeraVe® products right here on Beckee's Deals.

**By Way of disclosure, I will recieve CeraVe® products to review as well as a set of products to give away to a reader in exchange for my upcoming review and for sharing the information on this sweet contest!! No other compensation was given and all opinions I share are always my own!**

SWEET!
For one week only, Mixbook is goving away 15 FREE cards to kick off the holiday season. You can personalize them with your best photos and writing.

To get the cards, you just need to enter coupon code FREECARDS4U to redeem your discount by Wednesday, November 16, 2011. Click here to get started!

Here is the fine print: This offer is only valid with coupon code FREECARDS4U and applies only to classic coated, 5x7 flat and 7x5 flat cards. This offer cannot be combined with other coupons, vouchers, Groupons, or applied after an order has been placed. Offer expires 11/16/2011 (11:59 pm PST).

I will be ordering mine today!!

My goodness! Time flies when you're having fun!! I cannot believe it, but TONIGHT at 11:01 pm central time my Renuzit giveaway ends! There will be 3 winners and there are only 72 entries into the giveaway right now! Please go here to enter the giveaway!!

Here are my favorite deals in Omaha grocery this week:

Hyvee

• Blue Ribbon Beef 7-Bone Chuck Roast $2.49/lb
• Hy Vee Chicken or Beef Brothe 14.5 oz $.38 (limit 4)
• Hy Vee Yogurt $.29 (6 oz)
• Coke Product 12 packs 3/$11 (abotu $3.66 per 12 pack or about $.31 each can)
• Hy Vee Stuffing mix chicken, turkey or pork, 6 oz $.88
• Buy a Hormel Cure 81 Whole Boneless ham @ $2.99/lb, Get a Honeysuckle or Jennie-O Frozen Turkey FREE (with in ad coupon)
• Athenos Hummus 7 oz 2/$5

In addition to their regular week long special, HyVee also has a 1 Day Sale Saturday 11/12 that includes the following:

• 7Up Product 2L $.59 (limit 8)
• Hy Vee 64 fl oz milk $1.28
• 80% Lean Fresh Ground Beef $1.88/lb (sold in 3 lb roll for $5.64)
• Banquet frozen Dinners $.68
• XTra Laundry Detergent 58-75 fl oz 5/$10
• Kraft American Cheese Singles $1.99 (16 oz, limit 2)
• Dole Premium bananas $.39/lb

No Frills Fresh

• 80% Lean Fresh Ground Beef $1.99/lb (it is cheaper at Hy Vee's one day sale Saturday, but I wanted to include this one as well in case you miss the Saturday sale)
• Our Family Cream Soup $.19 ( with qualifying purchase)
• Pepsi Product 20 packs $4.88 (with qualifying purchase of 2-this is only $.24 each can)
• Buy one Norbest Turkey at $1.49/lb, get 1 FREE

In addition to their regular week long special, No Frills also has a 3 Day Price Buster Sale Friday 11/11-Sunday 11/13 that includes the following:

• Busch or Busch Light 18 pack $9.99 (I have no clue how good or bad this is but it is a limit 2 so it must be pretty good)
• T Bone Steak $4.99/lb

Also this Week, No Frills Baker's Square location only has the following:

• Our Family 16 oz Bacon $2.99
• Fresh Asparagus $1.88/ lb
• Our Family 1 lb butter $1.99 (limit 2-additional $2.49)
• Our Family 24 pack Water $1.99

Bag N Save

• Boneless Beef family pack Petite Sirloin Steaks or Mini Sirloin Roast $2.99/lb
• Marie Callendar's Pot Pies or Dinners 5/$10
• Our Family Cheese 8 oz Shredded or Chunk $1.39 (with qualifying purchase)
• Our Family Stuffing mix chicken, turkey or pork, 6 oz $.69 (with Qualifying purchase)
• Our Family Pineapple 20 oz $.69 (with qualifying purchase)
• Our Family Cranberry Sauce $.59 (with qualifying purchase)
• Our Family Manzanilla Olives $.99 (with wualifying purchase)
• Haas Avocados $.69 each

In addition to their regular week long special, Bag N Save also has a 4 Day Sale Thrusday 11/10-Sunday 11/13 that includes the following:

• Chips Deluxe or Fudge Shoppe Cookies 13-14 oz $1.68
• Roberts Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream (24 oz) $1.77
• 8 inch Pumpkin Pie $2.59

Baker's (Remember their sales are almost always WITH card)

• Kroger Value Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs $1.79 lb
• Red Bell Peppers 10/$10
• Bakers Gallon Milk $2.77
• Dillons Large 18 ct eggs $1.88
• Doritos 11-14.5 oz or Cheetos or Fritos 7.75-10.5 oz $1.99 (with qualifying purchase)
• Land O Lakes Butter $2.49 with qualifying purchase

Aldi

• Butterball whole turkey 10-20 lb $1.09
• Red Grapes $.79/lb (sold in 2 lb clamshell for $1.58)

Super Saver

• Yellow Onions $.47/lb
• Crystal Farms Shredded or Chunk Cheese 8 oz 2/$3
• Best Choice Frozen Vegetables Regualr or Steamable 12-16 oz $.58
• SaraLee Pies 37 oz $2.98
• Fresh Mangos $.66 each
• Best Choice Apple Juice 64 oz $.98
• Sara Lee White Bread 20 oz or Mama Lupe's Flour Tortillas Burito size 8 ct $1.44
• Hershey's Baking Chips 10-12 oz 3/$5

Fareway

• Pepsi Product 24 packs $5.99 (must purchase 2 ans use in ad coupon-this is about $.25 each can)
• Swanson Broth 2/$1 14.5 oz cans
• Campbells Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup 3/$2 (10.75 oz excludes fat free and healthy request)
• Yoplait Greek Yogurt $.88
• On the Vine Tomatoes $.99/lb
• Mrs Grimes 15 oz can Chili, Black, Navy, Red Kidney, Pinto or Northern Beans 3/$2

***Remember that I generally just price match at Walmart as much as I can rather than go to all the stores separately! I LOVE being able to do that. You can also pricematch at Target, but I find it easier to pricematch at Walmart.

Go now and like Scotch Brite on facebook then enter to get a free Greener Sponge! (Click on their Special Offer tab on the left if you do not see the offer right away. Hurry though only first 100,000 will get one! Who knows if that will last a while or go quick-usually they go quick!!

Boo Yeah! One of my favorite freebies is back again today only! Tiny Prints is doing their free Christmas Cards again today!! YES! (You may want to check out this post about the one I made earlier this year to see how awesoem these cards are!) I think these are a great way to encourage your kids to keep behaving well! My kids loved it!

So, how do you get this one? Go like Tiny Prints on Facebook. Then click on the Special Offer tab on the left. Then you just have to follow the directions.
Warning-the site is going slow so this freebie takes some patience.

So, I promised you that I would share my spooky Halloween dinner. I did not yet. Whoops. I will tell you though it was awesome.

We ate Monster meatloaf, Ghost mashed potatoes, Jello Worms, and Goblin toes (fried pickles). It was a delightful meal if I do say so myself! Here are a few pictures taken by my handsome husband:



And of course Wes (my handsome husband) could not help but take the parts of his meal and make a creepy monster man out of them:

It was a fun and yummy meal! I L.O.V.E making theme holiday meals! Yumm-O!
If you would like to know how I made any or all parts of this meal, comment or shoot me ane email. If there is enough interest I will post it on here-otherwise I will just respond to individual requests. I just don't want to spend the time to type it all out unless it is something you WANT (since it is a deals blog after all not a recipe one).

I owe you all a big fat apology and explanation. Last week was complicated and I knew it would be. I knew I would be unlikely to be able to post, but I could not explain because one of the big complicated things I had going on was a surprise. A surprise for a lovely young lady that reads my blog!
Let me explain. This is my youngest sister Melanie:

She is about to leave on an 18 month religious mission for our church. Before she leaves, she wanted to go to Disneyland with our baby brother. In fact they have been saving up for this. Well, my dad decided we should surprise her and have myself and my sister Andrea show up at Disneyland. As it turned out, due to work schedules and stuff, I was only able to go for one day-Friday.

So, I boarded a plane with my baby boy on Thursday evening at 7 pm, and after a layover I arrived at LAX at about midnight (that's 2 am in my time zone). I took a Super Shuttle to my hotel in Anaheim and arrived there about 1:20am (3:20 my time). I tried to get the baby to sleep so we would be well rested when they family arrived at like 8am. It did not work.

I managed to surprise my brother and sister. Check out this ultra blurry picture of their surprise as they saw me and baby E:

We spent a very cold and rainy and gloomy day at DL and California Adventures. We left a bit early since we were all soaked to the bone and cold and I had to feed my baby (who was already at the hotel with my parents). I rested and took care of baby for about 2 hours before we had to turn around and head to LAX again for me to return, I got took the red eye which left LAX at 12:45am (LA time-2:45am my time) and had a layover then finally arrived home at 10:30 am. Phew-it was a fast and furious trip!

In spite of the tight time restraints and the gloomy weather, I had a great time and was glad to get to spend the day with my family. Sadly my sister Andrea and I were unable to go the same day out there so she arrived in LA as I arrived back home on Saturday morning. They had a blast the rest of the weekend though I hear (with great weather). Here are some of my fun pictures from my day away:




Thanks for sticking with me and continuing to read my blog. I have a lot to catch up on!